When I open up, you open up!
Hi All!
I have realised a 'strange' phenomenon which I can inarticulately call 'When I open up, you open up'. I've found that in the last few weeks I've totally opened up to people about my mental health (not in a completely Marvin the Android / offload all my stuff on to you type way) and I've found that almost everyone has then admitted to some of their mental health issues! I'm starting to feel like a customs official (border patrol official) asking "Have you anything to declare?". This has been very liberating for me and I think for them.
We have a long way to go though as some people are still saying "...but please don't tell anyone". However not so many people.
I forgot to say that I spoke to an MP's office a week ago regarding the stress of modern society and how I feel it effects people and generates a lot of mental health.
He has just called me back while waiting for his train. He was very supportive and said that a lot of people he talks to in 'high positions' suffer from mental health issues of some form but that they don't admit it. I feel that the 'time for change' campaign is starting to remove stigma so hopefully in the future these people will feel more open about telling people about their mental health issues.
Anyway my MP seemed really passionate and genuine. This was very healing for me.
He said that a lot of people he knew had worked in offices and found them too stressful. This was people who had previously coped very well in that environment, and people who at first appeared very good at dealing with stress. I feel he was very astute when he said that sometimes depression (or a mental health issue) just comes out of the blue (maybe that's another reason why it's called the blues!?). He told me of many stories of people changing to less stressful jobs.
I was fearful of work because of the stresses involved. A lot of people have been telling me recently that there are supportive work places out there. So hopefully I can start some voluntary work soon that has a supportive atmosphere. From there I can build up to working part-time... probably with the need for support.
I'm feeling more positive. It seems after being TOTALLY honest with people about where I am at, I have had a LOT of support back.
I will tell you about the reply from my GP practice manager in my next post! If I remember ;-)
I have realised a 'strange' phenomenon which I can inarticulately call 'When I open up, you open up'. I've found that in the last few weeks I've totally opened up to people about my mental health (not in a completely Marvin the Android / offload all my stuff on to you type way) and I've found that almost everyone has then admitted to some of their mental health issues! I'm starting to feel like a customs official (border patrol official) asking "Have you anything to declare?". This has been very liberating for me and I think for them.
We have a long way to go though as some people are still saying "...but please don't tell anyone". However not so many people.
I forgot to say that I spoke to an MP's office a week ago regarding the stress of modern society and how I feel it effects people and generates a lot of mental health.
He has just called me back while waiting for his train. He was very supportive and said that a lot of people he talks to in 'high positions' suffer from mental health issues of some form but that they don't admit it. I feel that the 'time for change' campaign is starting to remove stigma so hopefully in the future these people will feel more open about telling people about their mental health issues.
Anyway my MP seemed really passionate and genuine. This was very healing for me.
He said that a lot of people he knew had worked in offices and found them too stressful. This was people who had previously coped very well in that environment, and people who at first appeared very good at dealing with stress. I feel he was very astute when he said that sometimes depression (or a mental health issue) just comes out of the blue (maybe that's another reason why it's called the blues!?). He told me of many stories of people changing to less stressful jobs.
I was fearful of work because of the stresses involved. A lot of people have been telling me recently that there are supportive work places out there. So hopefully I can start some voluntary work soon that has a supportive atmosphere. From there I can build up to working part-time... probably with the need for support.
I'm feeling more positive. It seems after being TOTALLY honest with people about where I am at, I have had a LOT of support back.
I will tell you about the reply from my GP practice manager in my next post! If I remember ;-)
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