Hello! As the title suggests, this blog is about World Mental Health Day! Seeing as though I don't have any song lyrics, there is a song that I want to share. The song is Start Again by the Lottery Winners ft Frank Turner, and you can listen to it here.
Here we are once again. Writing this blog post was something on my to-do list, but my PhD has become all-consuming, and I have had no time to do anything. However, I have submitted my full thesis to my new supervisory team, and I'm waiting for feedback, so here I am.
Let's get straight onto business, shall we? As you know, I have always been very open with my mental health. I live with anxiety and depression, and I experience panic attacks, which can happen so suddenly. I've lived with mental health since I was a child, although back then, I never knew that what I was feeling was anxiety and depression. I was just classed as a shy kid because of my visual impairment. It wasn't until I was in my first year of my undergraduate at the Univeristy of Derby that I plucked up the courage to go to my GP. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2015. Since then, I have been on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication, which I am unlikely to ever come off. I have also had my fair share of NHS therapy through CBT and Counselling. All of this means I know when things are getting bad, I know when I start having more panic attacks or if I lose motivation and don't want to carry on that I need help. And I think that should be an ongoing conversation in the rest of society - not a taboo subject.
What I mean by this is I want people to talk about their mental health openly, without worry and without prejudice from other people. Everyone copes in different ways; some take medication, some go to therapy, and some need that little bit of extra support, and that is okay. We all have different needs and have different ways of coping.
For example, with my medication and my on-and-off blocks of therapy, I can manage. When my mental health is bad, I try and do the bare minimum I can to survive the day. I have hot drinks because I have to physically move to the kitchen, and having a hot drink like tea always makes me feel a tiny bit better. I have always struggled with my eating, so I will snack on food because I do not always feel up to eating a full-on meal. I take my Guide Dog, Yashka, on a walk to get my body moving and to get some fresh air. I play video games and watch my favourite YouTubers to feel safe. And my go-to comfort activity is listening to music. Whatever mood I am in - if I'm feeling sad or anxious or happy, I listen to my favourite artists because then I feel connected to something. Music is a great therapy in itself, especially for disabled people.
As a disabled person, living with mental health goes hand in hand with impairments. A lot of other disabled people I know experience some kind of mental health relating to their disability. Because it is such a horrid thing to live with - even though I have lived with my visual impairment since birth, that does not mean it's any easier to cope with. It is unfair, tough and impossible at times. And it's definitely not helped by receiving abuse, access refusal, inability to access basic goods and services or being hindered by unnecessary hurdles in an inaccessible environment. All disabled people want is to live their lives and access basic human rights, especially when it comes to mental health services.
I am not saying my mental health is all because of my visual impairment because it's not, but it is a significant part of my depression and anxiety. I have a chemical imbalance in my brain that is only helped with medication. I try and lead a healthy lifestyle, but mental health is just one of those things. It can affect anyone at any time in their life. With more awareness and discussions about mental health, it encourage people to seek help when they need it and not feel ashamed to ask for help. I have turned to my GP and used mental health charities several times over the years to get support. I am not ashamed to ask for help. Of course, there is always a feeling of guilt and embarrassment before you take that first step, but it is one step in the right direction to get help and support.
So, to whoever is reading this, no matter what you are going through, I want you to know you are loved; it will get better, and I am so proud of you. Mental health sucks, but it is how we deal with it individually that is important. So, I will list some self-care activities and share some mental health charity information.
Self-care
Go for a walk.
Listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks.
Eat something you enjoy.
Drink water or make yourself a hot drink.
Reach out to a friend.
Take a shower or bath.
Do a favourite activity like video games.
Read a book.
Watch a comfort show or YouTube channel.
Scrapbook, journal or colour.
Take it one day at a time.
Mental health support.
Shout is a free and confidential 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text 85258 for support whenever you need it.
Samaritans – You can talk to Samaritans anytime on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental health illness. Open every day of the year between 16:00 and 22:00 – call 0300 304 7000.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat. The helpline and webchat are both open from 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
Make an appointment with your GP to get further support.
Whatever you are going through, you are not alone. There is support out there, and you will have people around you who will help. But you need to take that first step to get the support you need so you can get better. You have got this, and I'm proud of you.
I will end with a couple of quotes.
"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh
"You are not alone. You are seen. I am with you. You are not alone." — Shonda Rhimes
"I would say what others have said: It gets better. One day, you'll find your tribe. You just have to trust that people are out there waiting to love you and celebrate you for who you are. In the meantime, the reality is you might have to be your own tribe. You might have to be your own best friend. That's not something they're going to teach you in school. So start the work of loving yourself. — Wentworth Miller
"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." — Aristotle.
Remember, be kind to yourself and to others. Because we are all in this together. I want you to know that I will stand beside you through whatever you are going through. You are not alone, I promise.
Until the next time.
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