We Need To Talk
“It’s good to talk”, “a problem shared is a problem halved” may well be clichés but these statements are true!
We are striving to raise awareness in the workplace of mental health. Don’t let this subject be the elephant in the room and open up the dialogue.
Some of your colleagues have been brave enough to share their own experiences:
“My experience of mental ill health first started when I was very young, being a child of a mentally ill parent. At the time, it was unknown to my mum and my sisters that my dad had a problem as there wasn’t any proper information or
encouragement to talk about it. My dad suffered from chronic depression. I believe that because it was an extremely difficult subject, no one talked about it and there was little help, if any, for him. We all simply thought he was a very miserable and difficult person to live with and left it at that. It wasn’t until just before his death in 2001 that he began to open up about how he felt which was heart-breaking as my family and I are of the opinion that if he had been able to get the help with his
depression, he would most likely still be with us today.
It is those memories of my dad as a young child and a teenager and then into my twenties, as well as some pretty tough times that I have been through myself, that has made me determined to get involved in promoting and supporting good mental wellbeing. I am currently studying to become a psychotherapist and I recognise now more than ever how important it is for people to feel that they can talk or get help if they are going through a challenging time. Whether it’s: bereavement, other loss, phobia, stress or anxiety, it is so important for people to be able to access help, easily and where possible without cost.
There are many, many charities set up nowadays with dedicated and trained staff who can help when life can get tough which anyone can access in total anonymity – we just need to know that help exists! The most difficult part, and definitely the bravest, is taking that first step to seeking and accepting that help. But once over that first hurdle, it is absolutely possible and achievable to develop and grow out of the negative situation someone might find themselves in. I am living proof of that along with many, many others.
So I hope with all my heart that today, World Mental Health Day, encourages people who are struggling (or perhaps you know someone who is struggling and can encourage them in the right direction) to find the help they need and deserve and for people to really start talking instead of suffering in silence.”
“It is a very true thing: a problem shared is a problem halved.
Dealing with anxiety / depression on and off over a number of years, whilst holding down a job, caring for children, and all
of the usual responsibilities is no easy task.
I have learned that the symptoms of this condition, are not always in the stereotypical format, and can still surprise me after all of this time.
I’ve experienced everything from insomnia, racing thoughts (which is actually quite frightening) panic attacks and palpitations, to my hair falling out.
You do not want people, especially work colleagues to know your plight, so working hard to appear “normal” all of the time, also adds to the pressure.
It is such a relief to know, that there is a growing awareness, without judgement.
We are still intelligent people, who are very capable of doing our jobs, but the additional understanding in the workplace, just makes it just that bit easier.”
How can we help?
When you submit this form an email will be sent to the relevant department who will contact you within 48 hours. If you require urgent advice please call 01202 525333.
