In light of Robin Williams very sad passing there has been a lot of discussion on the topic of mental health. I honestly believe that this is a discussion we need to have and continue to do so. Theres a lot of stigma behind mental illness, and many people feel too embarrassed to ask for help. I for one know this first hand. I was once ashamed of myself, and wouldnt see anyone for help, for a while I tried to hide if from everyone. This isolation and refusing myself help caused me to go through some very dark times. It took a lot of courage to see the light and to finally ask. No...Ill admit, it isnt easy. You dont just ask a doctor for help and youre fixed its a long and bumpy road to recovery. One Im still on to this day. But having a diagnosis, receiving medication and other help etc was defiantly key for helping me start my recovery. Its odd really isnt it. How if I had a broken leg or something of a similar nature I could put a status about it and I wouldnt feel judged. But, when it comes to talking about mental health I automatically feel judged and feel like Ill be labeled an attention seeker. But I personally feel that seeing others speak up makes you feel less alone. Iv been diagnosed with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) GAD (generalised anxiety disorder), agoraphobia and depression for some time now. Some of you may know this, some of you may not. But Im speaking up to say Im not embarrassed to say I suffer from these illness and have asked for help with them. Mental illness doesnt discriminate. Iv seen some people who have looked at others who suffer from depression for example and say but you have your wealth, loving family, friends etc but having all these things does not mean you cannot have a mental health issue. I feel this is something we need to remember. As even I have said but theres so many people in a situation worse off than me, I cant be depressed The point to all this is I feel I need to speak up and say Hey, Iv got mental health issues, many others do too. Youre not alone and asking for help and speaking about it is okay! And to those who know others with mental illnesses then I ask you to support them (1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, so the chances are you know someone). Educate yourselves on their mental illness, learn about the right and wrong ways to support those people. That little message on facebook or text just asking hi, how are you? Well... it can mean a lot. Its time to change. Time to speak up. Time to end the stigma and discrimination. mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/time-to-change
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 17:50:27 +0000
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