We talk about mental health so much more these days than we ever used to. This is a good thing, but the conversation doesn’t need to stop. Ever. We need to make sure that the importance of mental health is discussed frequently so that anyone who may be suffering in silence, can feel like that they are able to speak to someone, anyone, about the way that they are feeling.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It can affect how we act, feel and think. It impacts on how we handle certain situations, how we might make choices and react to those around us. It’s important to remember too, that it’s not just mental health in adulthood that needs to be talked about, but in children and teenagers too. It’s something that can affect anyone at any time.
Depression and anxiety aren’t always easy to diagnose, and those concerned might not even know that they are suffering. I wrote a while ago about living with someone with depression. I wrote about it because it was my experience of the illness. My husband didn’t know why he was feeling so down. I didn’t either. All I knew is that he was not at all easy to live with and I desperately wanted to work out what the problem was. I had my suspicions and upon doing some research, I sat him down and gently asked him whether he thought he might be suffering from depression. He’d been through some tough times prior to this and it all seemed to make sense in my head. He agreed to make a doctors appointment on the condition that I went with him and thankfully, that was the beginning of his journey to getting better.
It wasn’t a quick journey. In fact, he wouldn’t disagree with me when I say, it’s a journey that we are still on. There are still bad days and these are the kind of days that catch me unaware and I have to remind myself to be mindful and understanding. Thankfully these days are far, far less than they used to be and we get by. But I have to remind him to keep talking. Which, by the way, he is not good at, at all!
In all of this, I’ve had to be careful and think about my own mental health. It’s only recently, within the last couple of years that I have discovered that I have mild anxiety. I couldn’t work out why I felt so anxious about ‘silly little things’. I would be worried or nervous about things that never used to bother me. The feeling of turmoil in my stomach would sometimes be unbearable and all I would want to do is cry and hide myself away.
Thankfully, because I had done so much research before, I recognised the signs early and because I became aware of it, I was able to work on handling it better when it happened. Anxiety can lead to depression, and I’m mindful of this. This is why the importance of mental health awareness is paramount. It’s always worth remembering that if you’re struggling, it might be time to find a therapist to talk to.
Yes, we do talk about it and that’s great, but sometimes you might be needed to just listen. If you think someone may be suffering, don’t be afraid to let them know that you are there. I did, and it was the best thing I could have done. I don’t like to think about where we might be now had we not got the help we did when we needed it.
Please, remember. Be kind, be patient and be there. You might just change someone’s life.
For more information, see this article: https://www.betterhelp.com/
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15 Comments
A thought-provoking read…..
#TriumphantTales
Jaki, this is such an excellent post! So many people suffer from anxiety and depression, and too many of them feel badly about themselves because of it. There should be no stigma about it, no distinction between mental and physical. I hope you’ll both keep talking, keep seeking, and don’t underestimate the benefits of good nutrition for these conditions. #TriumphantTales
This has been a big discussion I’ve seen happening too!! Depression in dads is very real and even PND or postpartum depression. For the longest of time dads were forgotten and not thought of being emotionally or mentally tormented by anxiety or depression.
It’s really good that you both were able to have that discussion and get him the help he needed. Depression and anxiety are the worse 😞 #TriumphantTales
Amen! Whether you live with someone who has a mental illness or you have one yourself, it isn’t easy and it’s so important to keep talking about it.
Beautifully written post, Jaki! I, myself, have anxiety that can be crippling at random times and I am so thankful for the support system that I have!
If only mental health were something we could switch on and off like a light switch!
Thank you for sharing at #TriumphantTales
Wonderful and necessary read. The stigmas need to go and the conversations need to happen. Your honesty and candor are just what is needed. I had a pretty severe depression in my early 30’s. I had an out of control eating disorder and the thoughts pulsing through my brain were frightening. Getting help saved my life, despite what others said or did. Bravo, and may your husband and your family feel the great relief of health very soon. Do the work! xoxoxo #triumphanttales xoxo
As someone who has suffered from anxiety, stress and depression, I completely agree. Patience is needed, not trying to fix someone. But we also need to remember that they might not know why they are feeling what they’re feeling. It can be overwhelming and I know it must be a difficult line to tread between being supportive and seeming impatient and wanting to wave a magic wand. Talking about mental health is something we could all do more of. #TriumphantTales
I am sorry you and your husband have issues but equally I love this post because it sounds very much like you are a team and I know he is lucky to have you and hope it works the other way round too. Yes, let’s keep talking openly about real life which involves mental health issues for all of us and the sooner they get rid of that 1 in 4 statistic the better. We all struggle sometimes and it’s OK to ask for help and yes listening is super important. I felt invisible when I was struggling in the real world and without blogging may well have ended it all or similar. #TriumphantTales
Such a sensible and useful post … it that’s not damning with faint praise … it really can be the salvation of someone’s sanity and ability to thrive in relationships.To admit there is an issue and to then go and see someone who can help #AnythingGoes
A lovely post and it really shows how strong you are as a couple. I’m so glad that mental health is being discussed more than it used to be. #triumphanttales
Often depression and anxiety is swept under the carpet as “not real diseases” but in fact it is something that is very real. I’m glad that you are sharing your story #Triumpanttales
I completely agree with this post and hope that people do open up more about mental health as a result. #triumphanttales
It’s so good to see people opening up about their experience with depression both for themselves and their partners. I was diagnosed with bipolar 4 years ago and although things are infinitely better I think we will always be on the journey as vigilance is everything. The moment I think i am cured and not susceptible to triggers is the day I will be in trouble 🙂
It is great to see people are talking about it more now, the taboo is slowly being lifted. Depression is a hard journey, and one that can relapse so many times. I’ve been treated before, I was quite young and it was when my Grandad passed away. First death I had ever experienced and was always told to stop crying. I had to be strong. It was inbuilt in my family, they meant no harm it is just how it was. Now I know that you have to cry and I encourage it from everyone. I won’t have people say come on stop crying – if you need to cry then do it. Do what you need to do. #TriumhantTales
I agree it needs to be a constant conversation , I am so grateful that it’s way more common to hear people talk about struggles with their mental health now than it ever was.
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