Since leaving work in March of this year, my eyes have been opened to the harsh reality of how many people in this world see Mental Health issues, as a 'pretend illness' , as an excuse for people who feel a 'little' bit upset or down. Before I left work, although I was aware of my anxiety and depression and I was honest with anyone who asked about my illness, I never really took a moment out of my busy life to try to understand my illness, to try to really come to terms with it. I attended counselling in between going to college and work, I tried to juggle everything around, as a result counselling only helped me to control short term problems, i never realised just how much anxiety and depression had affected my life. Therefore I never realised how negatively mental health is perceived in today's world. Although I had been bullied due to my mental health issues in one of my previous work places, I had been judged by so called friends of mine, I have been told to just 'get over it' and many other horrible things, I never took a minute to realise that all of these horrible situations including the hurtful things that were said to me regarding my anxiety and in particular my depression, although they were said to me, they were not aimed at me. It was not me that these people had a problem with, who they were disgusted with, it was mental health itself. How can people be angry at an illness? There are many reasons. Some people may have lost people to this illness, some people may have witnessed loved ones suffering from this illness, some people may be going through aspects of this illness and they are just afraid of admitting how they truly are, some are frightened to admit that our emotions can really take over and effect us so much, however the reason that shocked me the most was that people act out negatively against mental health because they simply don't understand it. Although it makes some sense, to not understand fully what an illness is capable of, how it works and what it really does to people who are suffering, it is hard to believe that in 2015, there are still so many people ignorant to what mental health illnesses are truly capable of. With all of the research that has been done, the number of celebrities who have used their fame to illustrate just how fatal this illness can be, how much it can take over our lives and the amount of people who are in constant battle with in particular anxiety and depression daily, there are still people out there who think that the term Mental Health Issue, is simply a big medical term for someone who is going through some sad times. Although this is true in some small regards, unfortunately mental health is much more than just feeling sad. I completely understand what it is like to have a love one suffering from something you just don't understand. No matter how much you read up on it, how much you listen to them, you will never truly understand how they feel on the inside, how they are truly affected. I completely understand this and respect this fact so much, as the saying goes "Walk a mile in my shoes" , you never fully understand how rough or bumpy the road is that a person is travelling on until you share the same path as them. However, I would never in my wildest dreams judge someone on something such as a health issue, something I have no experience or knowledge on, as how do I know what they are going through? Although I have had a few daggers to my heart regarding the negative comments I have received regarding mental health, if it really is an illness, I am currently learning how to patch up these wounds people's harsh words have created. I am by no means saying that everyone in the world sees mental health in this negative light, as I have made so many friends over the past year who share the same issues as I do. The amount of you guys who have been so kind and have given me strength to carry on even when my day seemed so dark, cold and alone, and I am so thankful. Although it is a minority of people who speak negative about mental health, these harsh words still hurt and can be fatal. These people don't understand that people who suffer from anxiety, depression, personality disorders, bi-polar disorder, OCD etc. think that they are a lost cause. They have a core belief that they are the cause of all of the problems in the world, that they cause their loved ones pain, heart break and that everyone else's life would be better off if they just disappeared from the world, life would be hassle free for everyone else. What some people don't realise is that people who suffer from mental health don't think like this in order to gain sympathy or as a cry for help, they can't help but feel like this. Although their rational side of their brain reassures them from time to time that they are not this huge burden, the more powerful these negative thoughts become, the less our rational side is listened to, it almost becomes extinct! How do I know this? Not too long ago, I felt like this. I felt like I was a burden, that if I just slipped away everyone else's lives would be easier, less heart ache and less stressful. However, I know now that this is not true at all. That if I was to end my life, it would only cause more devastation and that is the last thing I want. I understand to some degree how people who haven't experienced these feelings may think that no one could ever feel like that, I know because before my condition worsened, I used to look at people around me suffering from depression who talked about suicide like they had ten heads. Why would anyone want to cause their loved ones that awful devastation? How would that solve anyone's problems? Surely nothing is that bad that you would want to end your life? Although I thought I understood how they were feeling, I was simply too afraid and ignorant to try to understand fully. At one point I was angry, why would someone want to do this? I am ashamed to admit this, but it is the truth and it is also how I know others in the world see mental health. As I have been on both sides of this illness, I now understand and know how words and sayings such as "get over it", "nothing can be that bad", "mental health is just an excuse for feeling down" or in the words of Katie Hopkins " Most depression is just genuine sadness at a social situation. Like being caught in torrential rain with a bag from Primark" can affect people with low self esteem and who suffer with mental health issues. Although I am aware that Katie Hopkins is known for her insensitive words and thoughts, and I am by no means saying that other people out there say things to deliberately hurt people, I just know how one cut throat and in many cases thoughtless sayings may push one person over the edge. Just a few months ago when I was at my lowest point, all anyone had to do was look at me the wrong way and my brain would spiral out of control and think the worst. As I have said many times before, I started this blog for multiple reasons, one of those reasons being to spread awareness of how mental health issues truly affect people, to try to eliminate the mindset that anxiety and depression are just people exaggerating feelings of sadness. Mental health is a real illness, it is as real as diabetes, heart disease, etc. Like every other illness out there, once you identify the illness, depending on how ill someone is, treatment begins and you are on a journey to gain your full strength and health once again. It is not much different with someone suffering from a mental health issue, the only difference is that sometimes it is harder to identify the main condition and what type of treatment will work, because in many cases a person shows signs that they are suffering from more than one type of mental health issue. I understand that it is almost impossible to expect everyone in the world to understand what people go through with regards to depression etc., however if this post does one thing I hope it illustrates how important it is for people to be more sensitive to what they are saying, t try to have an open mind and realise that everyone is different, that something that may not affect you may have a huge impact on someone else and that unfortunately this illness can at times allow feelings to control people and be fatal. In my experience I feel that people truly don't understand this illness unless they have been through it, however I hope that by sharing my experiences I can some how shine a light on how mental health issues are real illness and it is a battle millions of people in the world fight everyday! I hope this has helped people understand how anxiety, depression, bi-polar etc, are real illnesses and all people need is some support, love and understanding to get through tough times! I am working on some posts that I hope will help people both understand anxiety and depression and will also give people some tips on how to cope, watch this space! Don't forget share this post to show people you understand mental health and you are there for those who need support, even if it is just a smile, to show them they are not alone! Love, Em X
7 Comments
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2/23/2024 11:07:12 pm
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