Mental Health is Real

May was a mental health month. My grandma used to say, "It all lies in what you think at the end of it all."...I never got the magnitude of the words until I was 27. Our minds work like computers, what you feed is what it will give, garbage in garbage out. My blog today is super different is actually based on written posts by individuals with personal experience of mental disorders. By talking openly, I hope to increase understanding around mental health, break stereotypes and take the taboo out of something that – like physical health – affects us all.

Mental health stigma doesn't solve issues, it just makes them worse

Karla 17yrs, May 25, 2020

So where do I begin?

I've been told since I was 12 that my constant stress, sickness and weakness, and panic attacks were nothing more than attention-seeking behavior. I didn't want to make friends, but I didn't want to be alone. I didn't want to leave the house, but I couldn't live with the idea of me being a failure. I didn't want to admit something was wrong, but at some point, I had to.

Don't be afraid to talk about mental health

Abbie 24yrs, May 12, 2020

It all started as just a few thoughts. But over time, I started having extremely bad anxiety and was becoming more depressed. The school was using the little effort I had left. I gave up all my after-school clubs, all sporting events. I wouldn't eat at school or at home. After a few months, I reached out to my friends about what was happening. But sadly, at that time they just came out with remarks about how I was being ungrateful and it was all for attention. I felt extremely judged. Their comments made me feel worse.

Let me make decisions on how to handle my anxiety

Nicky 28yrs, May 10, 2020

I'd like to talk about my experiences with work, good and bad. The reaction of a manager to your disclosure of mental health difficulties can really make a difference to the way you feel and how open you’ll be with future employers. I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I’ve been diagnosed with panic disorder. Over the years my anxiety has had peaks and troughs and I’ve needed to tell my managers about it.

It was hard to open up, but the support from friends and family has been amazing

Elisha 33yrs, May 19, 2020

I joined Time to Change movement in July 2019, which turned out to be the best decision of my life. I have been struggling with mental health for so many years and I have been receiving ongoing treatment for my anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Borderline Personality. Disorder (BPD) and depression. By sharing my experience of my diagnosis with other people, I feel that my mental health has been improving, and I feel that I am not the only one in the world who suffers.

During this season, please check on your loved once. Let's be our brother's keepers, they might be a shoulder you need and vice versa.