Wednesday 18 May 2016

Mental Health Awareness Week 2016


This week is mental health awareness week and I have been a little busy with my online event over on Facebook and decided I would post on here today.  The focus this year is on relationships and the important role they play in recovery, support and life in general.





In 2006 my family really helped me to pull through one of the hardest times of my life. If it wasn't for them I dread to think the state I would have been in.  Sadly many are not so lucky and that is why it is important to make connections with people such as neighbours.  You never know who you can help by giving a little time.


Here are some tips on how to make the most of your relationships and how to create and build new ones.


A ten minute phone call, arrange a lunch or a day trip with friends or family.  Not only will it benefit your loved ones but it will also give you a chance to take a step back and refocus too while reconnecting.



I know I am guilty of this.  I use my phone to take pictures and then I end up on Facebook and Twitter without even realising I have done it. My dad tells me "put that phone down" and it's as if I was in a trance.  When we have our heads down, looking at the screens, that could be a missed opportunity for someone to open up to you. I am not saying you can't check your phone but try and be a bit more mindful. I know I will try to be.



Back in 2006, I was called all sorts, liar, freak and crazy.  Then came the other insults "You are 26, you have a good job, a good guy who loves you (this was my ex) what do you have to be depressed about?" That annoyed me then and it still does but I know it was down to ignorance.  Luckily my family were there to help me and now I also have a fantastic husband who lets me cry, shout and moan when I need to. Being there for someone is so important. You don't need to know what to say, just listening will help them so so much!



Talking about how you are feeling can help lift that weight off your shoulders.  Again, this is something that will benefit everyone!!  Talking about that hard day at school, or that bad day at work gets it out of your system and in the open which in turn will make you feel better.  No-one should be afraid to talk.  We are all human and we need that outlet.



I lost many people I thought were friends when I was diagnosed with Anxiety in 2006.  It hurt so much back then, it really did. Looking back at it now I am actually glad as I did not need that negativity in my life.  I also lost my job, that I loved to bits, but again looking back, why should I work for someone who has that attitude? If you have someone in your life who is not showing you respect or is judgemental, you can either walk away or if it is a family member, explain how it is making you feel.  You have the right to a happy life. 

As I mentioned at the start of this post, I am running an online event over on Facebook.  You can join in by clicking here.  I am also raising money for the Mental Health Foundation who carry out important research and help influence policies across the UK.  You can find the link to my just giving page here.  So far I have raised £25 of the £50 target.  Thank you to those who have kindly donated so far. 

18 comments:

  1. What an open and honest post with some really great ideas to getting people to open up. Well done you. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Having been on the other side of things, I know how important it is to have that support network and I want to encourage others to be open and honest as it helped me a lot x

      Delete
  2. Living with a mental health issue is really tough and wondering what people feel about it and the stigma makes it so much worse.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is very tough. People's ignorant views do not help one bit. We just need to remember it is them with the problem, not us x

      Delete
  3. Building relationships is definitely a big help - it makes you feel less alone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, without those relationships it would be a very hard lonely journey. x

      Delete
  4. Great post to raise awareness. My husband has mental health issues so any way to raise awareness is something I appreciate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Raising awareness is so important and is something I will do at every opportunity :) I have family and friends who live with mental health conditions too and having also been on the other side of it, I know how it feels x

      Delete
  5. I hated it when people said "what have you got to be depressed about" when I suffered from PND at a similar time. Thanks for highlighting this. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is no need in this day and age for negative comments like that. That said it makes us realise they have the problem, not us. xx

      Delete
  6. I too lost many friends when I suffered with anxiety and OCD. It's hard to explain not wanting to leave the house at times but I now have lots of friends who understand. I think speaking out and being honest makes it a lot easier x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is sad that we lose people we saw as friends but it also gives us a chance to move on and having friends who now understand is so much better x

      Delete
  7. Well done on highlighting this issue - I think it needs brave people like you to speak out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thank you. I wouldn't say I'm brave but that comment put a massive smile on my face. We have nothing to be ashamed of so speaking out is the way to go x

      Delete
  8. I am thankful that my friends stood by me when I suffered from depression but it is tough for everyone around you too

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, it is tough for everyone and I am glad to read your friends were there for you xx

      Delete
  9. I'm sorry to hear about your anxiety, that must have been a really difficult period. xx

    ReplyDelete