My thoughts on mental health.

And there was light.

If you are a victim of depression – or any mental health related problem – you will know that the easiest thing in the world to do, is suffer in silence. After all, who wants to listen to your problems right? And you know that if you do say something, the listener will simply nod and say “aw” but you know that, deep down, they are merely paying you lip service whilst secretly thinking “God, pull yourself together. It’s not like you have a terminal illness or anything!”

So why bother? They don’t want to hear about your crap life, especially when even YOU feel like you’re moaning or being a burden. You haven’t even got any physical evidence to show them you’re not well – like a plaster cast or a wheelchair or a mobile oxygen tank – so really, if they can’t see it, there’s obviously nothing wrong.

Therefore, the most sensible and best thing to do is keep quiet and just get on with it. It’s only a low point in your day when all said and done: you just need to snap out of it, put on a smile and stop letting people down, yes?

Hands up all those people suffering right now who feel or have felt that way in the past?

Let me tell you, both my hands are raised up high right now!

Thing is, what we presume others are thinking or how they will react, is a symptom of mental illness itself.

Feeling useless, feeling a disappointment, feeling like you’re weak, feeling like nobody will understand … all negative thoughts that mental health issues create in a bid to consume you and make you feel that you are alone.

Well let me tell you now. You’re not alone and people (especially those close to you) won’t think any less of you if you do talk about it. In fact, I would bet a pound to a penny that the majority of people would welcome you talking about it because that way, they get to understand why you are a little quiet sometimes or often seem sad or look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Humans (or at least the decent ones) are programmed to help so you talking about your mental health problems gives them a chance to listen … and that alone is helping in a massive way.

As a person who suffers from depression – and was too proud to speak about it – I know exactly what all you “silent sufferers” are going through.

But here’s the thing.

Sharing your crisis is the first step to recovery … and we all want to recover right?

When I first opened up, I realised I could actually breathe again because for a long time before, it felt as though I’d been holding my breath to stop myself from drowning. It’s a strange yet calming feeling.

Okay, I might not be 100% yet, but I’m miles away from where I was this time last year.

So, what I am saying is this.

All those people out there who are keeping their mental health problems boxed up and hidden away, go find the person you feel most comfortable with and let it all out … today!

Believe me, you will feel better for it: well, a little better but one step at a time is all it takes and all I ask.

Reach. Speak out.

Take care all.

Best wishes.

Paul.

#Reachoutspeakout #mentalhealth #depression #mind #itsokaynottobeokay #mentalhealthawareness.

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