'Simple' Tasks

Even the simplest of things can seem as tough as running a marathon when you are suffering with depression. The most ordinary, menial task can really seem like so much effort that you would rather just staying bed with the covers over your head.

As mental health issues affect an individual’s daily life to some extent, it can be assumed that some things will be harder than others to do however, when depression makes it seem so difficult to complete these ‘simple’ tasks it can be harder for people to understand, leading to interpretations of the said individual being ‘lazy’ or ‘unmotivated’. I know I think that about myself when in low mood however, it is of course easy to critise oneself when in that state of mind.

A couple of tasks for me that really seem huge when I’ve been in this sort of situation before are plugging appliances in to the socket and making a cuppa tea. When my mood has been lower these just seem like climbing Everest.

This has been a little bit of a ramble of the thoughts going round in my head but, with mental health awareness gradually improving, I would like to see more understanding surrounding the effects of mental illnesses such as depression on daily life for people. Being misunderstood by those around you whilst suffering with a mental illness can be upsetting, especially when you are trying your hardest to do these everyday tasks.

Remember, the figure is 1 in 4 of us will suffer with a mental health problem. This means becoming a bit more aware of how they may affect people’s everyday life may really help a friend, family member, colleague ect.

Take care,

Jen

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The Hard Work Paid Off

It really did. 

The year before last, I began my first year of A-Levels and by the end of it didn’t have much to show from it. This is because I was very ill that year both physically for the early part and then after that due to a serious decline in my mental health. My depression and anxiety ruled my life and basically, became my identity. That year, it was nye on impossible to think about exams and coursework when it took all my energy and concentration to even muster up a sentence about what I might have for dinner that night. That is unfortunately what severe depression can leave you like.

To be honest, I barely remember that year, I just remember being sad and sleeping but, I got through it.

This previous academic year came around and I was determined to start again and do well. It was very difficult at times with mental health problems still lingering as they do, but it was great fun too. I met some great friends, my boyfriend and rekindled my interest in Psychology where the determination and ‘spark’ in me also kind of returned along with it. My love for the subject made me very happy and consolidated what I want to do with my life in terms of a career in mental health. 

Exams were difficult and very stressful but I did them and was so proud of myself for that. I remember seeing a quote not long before my exams that said ‘fortune favors the brave’. I thought to myself ‘if you are brave enough to sit that exam, fortune will favor you’ and well, I was right.

Results day rolled around on the 14^th August and I was handed the envelope. Obviously, this was a bit terrifying but when I opened it I was very pleasantly surprised to see my results, especially Psychology and Sociology where I achieved my A s! 

Earlier in the year, I would have thought that impossible but there I was standing with these fantastic results in my hand that belonged to me. I had made it through the year from hell previously and now, I had the proof in my hands that’s I had been very successful academically. I know it sounds cliche but no matter what the results said, I knew I was a stronger person for my struggles but this was like solid proof to me. It was like a 'look at what you achieved, here’s the evidence you’ve done this'.

I am now doing my A2 levels and know it’s still going to be tough but I value the determination, or possibly just stubbornness that I’ve acquired along the way to achieve what I want to achieve.

I guess if you were to take a moral from this it would be to not give up but that can be easier said than done when you feel so down. Perhaps just the comfort in knowing if you just keep moving, no matter what the pace, you can be successful and happy eventually.

So here’s to the next year and whatever it brings. Hopefully positives and hopefully happiness.

Jen

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'It's a Mad World'

Recently BBC Three has been showing a season called 'it's a mad world' focusing in on mental health issues, for example a programme aired tonight looking at OCD.

Now guys, I'm very interested in psychology and more specifically, mental health; I even aspire to be clinical psychologist. I look around and see so much stigma towards mental illnesses and it really saddens me that this is the case. Often people simply don't understand, so talking about mental health and having programmes like this on the tele is a great way of educating people on the topic. The episode on OCD that I mentioned just previously had many responses on twitter with many saying how they didn't realise what OCD was like and even before watching the episode thought the condition was amusing, now much more informed and realising how struggling through the illness can affect a person.

I myself have mental health issues, which I am not ashamed to say, and know people around me that suffer too. This is not uncommon. Mental health should not be a taboo subject. It is real, it is serious and no one deserves stigma directed towards them because of it.

Anyway, I would just like to say well done BBC Three! We need more things like this to keep raising awareness and keep people talking about it. The more we learn and discuss the less stigma there will be.

If anyone would like more information on mental health issues here's some links that might help you.

http://www.mind.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Mentalhealth/Pages/Mentalhealthhome.aspx

If you think you may be/are struggling with a mental health issue please talk to someone, people care and you are not alone.

#stopthestigma

Jen
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