Don't ignore the mental health signs

Thinking back, I’ve had challenges with my mental health since I was a 90’s teenager.??Like many of us, I ignored these signs and found other coping mechanisms.?I chalked up how bad I was feeling to study, work stress, relationships,?being hungover, really anything else apart from mental health struggles.?

?

As I’ve got older, I’ve been blessed in both my family and work life.?I have the support of my wonderful wife, two amazing children and close family and friends, who I know to my core are always there for me.?

?

Work wise, through hard work and good luck, my passion for fairness and of seeing other people succeed pushed me towards a rewarding career in Human Resources.?

?

Despite being surrounded by all these wonderful people and happenings in my life, the dark days and weeks continued.?The constant overthinking about what will go wrong, the imposter syndrome and manic concern about the smallest details continued.?Added to this, as part of my job, I would speak to people daily about the importance of mental health and what they could do if they needed help.??I am a classic case of do as I say, not as I do.

?

There have been some dark times.?I’m guilty of not seeking help and continuing to put the people I love through hell.?

?

This all came to a head during the COVID lockdowns in Victoria.?To the relief of those around me, I sought help from my GP and others.?And as I was lucky enough to have a supportive employer, I was able to be completely transparent about what I was going through and received tremendous support from them.???

?

With all this help, I’m now able to see through the fog depression and constant anxiety creates.??If you can relate to any of the above, can I urge you to talk to a GP, speak to a councillor and/or contact your employers’ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if they have one.?Take that brave next step that I was so reluctant to take.??Just don’t delay it as long as I did!

?

I won’t be easy.?There is most likely still be some bad days.?But, most importantly you’ll still be here.?You’ll be able to give back to those people who have supported you.?And you will have some days were the fog clears and you can appreciate just how darn good it is to be here.