I'm writing this not for attention (before all the rumours start), but simply to raise awareness and say that it is ok to get help... In fact it's good.
Three years ago in January, I was diagnosed with depression for the first time. I'd been dealing with it for a few months before, but it was only in January steps were taken to get me the help I needed.
Now, let me explain. Depression isn't just feeling a little down and isn't a fleeting feeling of sadness. It's like a majorly dark fog surrounds you. The longer it's left, the darker it gets until you can't take it anymore. You can see nothing but yourself which can be perceived as selfish. You become irritable and lack motivation due to the every effort of trying to get through when you can't see a thing.. which people take as you not being very nice. You either can't sleep or sleep all the time, and even then you feel tied down and unable to move...therefore your friends may lose interest as you don't make much effort. You can't see the light, and lack all sense of hope.You don't value yourself or care about food or the future because you don't think you're worth it..... all of which many people will take as attention seeking and need you to snap out of it. You become completely irrational in some cases and those around you don't understand why. It causes so much pain for you and those who care, it never just affects the one person!
A couple of months after coming off medication, I was put back on it. There's no shame in needing a little help. You'd seek medical help if you were physically ill, so why is there such a big difference when it comes to mental health?! (I don't understand!)
The thing is, I was surrounded by some incredible people who helped me through. And yes, they may not have all understood or had any idea what I was going through. but they were there. It's often the reactions and actions of those closest to you that can make or break your recovery. I was lucky with all the support I had, but it's not the same for everyone! If more people were aware of the facts and had even an idea of what dealing with any mental health issue was like, it would transform the lives of many and aid them in recovery. It could save so many lives.
Ignorance and impatience with people dealing with mental health does not help one bit. Yes, it's hard for those trying to help too, but they can walk away for a break, when people like us could not.
I just want to let everyone know that there is hope. Since being put on medication and being supported so much when I need it, I've completed my A leves, modeled for Julien Macdonald, traveled to Switzerland, France,
Malaysia and Australia, met some great people, started university and met some amazing people there too. I've become a part of www.Mindslikeours.co.uk (refer to earlier blogs for more details). The most incredible things that have happened in my life were after getting help, not before.
The point is:
Life does not end with the diagnosis of a mental health illness. It simply starts a new chapter of living in a different way.
PS. I'd just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was there for me when I did need it and helped me through. It has made the world of difference. It's thanks to you that I can now help out and reach others whether that's through Minds Like Ours or otherwise! Everything I'm doing and I achieve in life is thanks to you.. No need to mention people as they know who they are.
THANK YOU!
If you're struggling: try and tell someone.
If you see someone struggling: do something, tell someone, talk to them
If you know someone who deals with MH issues: be patient, you can walk away from it, but they can't.
If you see someone struggling: do something, tell someone, talk to them
If you know someone who deals with MH issues: be patient, you can walk away from it, but they can't.
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