As "Mental Health Awareness Week" comes to an end...

So, this week is / was mental health awareness week, I have been blessed to read a number of both raw and powerful stories about the issues people have faced / continue to face as they battle their own demons.

Most people who know me are aware of my own health matters from when my breakdown finally took place in 2017 after a series of both inflicted and self-inflicted issues. 

Since then, I have tried to be as open as I can about the reasons behind my health concerns, how I have been amazingly lucky with the help I have received, and how I try, every day to face up to my demons in the best way I can.

Being your own boss makes a massive difference because actually you can be honest and be open to those around you in “business world”, prior to that, for me, it was impossible to admit, to face up to, to even contemplate because of what I knew would happen…and it did!

I have seen many posts on LinkedIn this week challenging the “reported versus reality” of some organisations and their “Tick Box” approach to providing support to their colleagues specific to their mental health and as with everything else there are obviously good and bad when it comes to this. 

So, in my opinion, our posts can only be reflective of our own experiences, our own issues, and own views, they should be respected as such and never criticised. If somebody is opening up, then please respect that, it takes bravery to open up, to admit what some people still regard as a weakness / taboo subject. 

This post is no different, it is about me, my experiences, and issues, once you are diagnosed with clinical depression and severe anxiety disorder, it doesn’t suddenly go away because you take sertraline or any other medication, they are an aid, but it is not like the tele where things suddenly go from dark to light and everybody lives happily ever after, it is not the Truman show. 

Sadly, in my case, a small number of people decided to use my own opening up about my struggles against me, to this day I am still unsure why, please note that this wasn’t a work situation which in turn made it even worse and very difficult for me to understand, reconcile or come to terms with so I had to run away, literally. So, I yet again had to move myself on, away from these people and situations because they won, they managed to beat me, people say that bullies only win when you allow them to…but what is the alternative? More sadness, anxiety, fear, pain? Why do people bully the weak, because they can? Because they get a pleasure from it? 

I guess the point in this post is that having poor mental health is difficult enough when you look in the mirror and feel disappointed in what you see, the constant imposter syndrome without people either deliberately exploiting your weaknesses or organisations simply looking to protect themselves. 

I wake up grateful every day, for everything I have, no matter what it is, I am one of the lucky ones, I admit it and I try and live up to what I feel I expect of myself as a result. 

So, as much as I feel this post will possibly cause raised eyebrows, I take this opportunity during the end of such an important week to add my own simple opinion which is…be nice, please, be open in terms of how you read / receive other’s insights into their battles, be kind, be empathetic.

In turn take a long hard look at yourself, not said in a negative way but with a glass half full, with an honest view of perhaps how you could look after yourself better? 

Be aware of who you are able to talk to, what those things are that do take you away from the challenging times…for me, in addition to my family and friends it is Lego, model kit making, and golf !.... everybody needs something, honestly, I really think they do. The trick, in my opinion, is doing the right thing for you, for your situation but always remember, there are always people out there to help, whether that be family, friends, colleagues or charities…please don’t be proud, be kind to yourself.