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Mental health issues

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Do these three words scare you?

I have been diagnosed with the above and so many people nowadays have, depression, anger issues, anxiety. These aren’t so scary words are they.. yet they are all “mental health issues”

It’s time to stop putting this issue into the no go area and get people to understand most people will suffer problems in this area at some point in their life!!

Give your honesty and speak about it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

2 of my friends have it. I was talking to one last week and can't get an appointment to see anyone. They said there is so much back log and that many people wanting appointments if will be months before she will be seen. They say it's good to talk but no one to listen apparently. Is there anyone else she can contact for advice? X

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By *lastic.Mask.ManMan
over a year ago

Grimsby

Got diagnosed myself last year with depression and being on the autisum spectrum. Was not a great year but am learning to deal with it. It is nothing to be ashamed of I just have to take a happy pill everyday.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have it. Suffered three mental breakdowns and have tried to take my own life twice. Noticing how uncomfortable people look when you try and open up about it still makes me feel so ashamed.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I suffer with depression, it’s something that just doesn’t get talked about enough. There’s not enough help for people to see the right services. X

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By *lastic.Mask.ManMan
over a year ago

Grimsby


"I have it. Suffered three mental breakdowns and have tried to take my own life twice. Noticing how uncomfortable people look when you try and open up about it still makes me feel so ashamed. "

Nothing to be ashamed of. We all have our own ways of crying out for help when we are at our lowest point.

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By *eralt80Man
over a year ago

cork

Used to suffer with very bad anxiety, new places or people would freak me out. This then led onto depression. One day at work and having a particularly bad day i packed up my tools and went to my GP. First and only time I got to see him straight away or else I would have backed out. After some counselling I learned how to manage the issues because I don’t think you’ll ever cure yourself completely. Today I’m better able to handle it and see the warning signs.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I go into a deep black hole that I can’t seem to get out of, have been getting depressed lately but trying to cope. There is a stigma attached to the wording “mental health issues”!!!

This is so wrong

I had coucillong one on one sessions over the phone once a week, this was a huge benefit to me, I felt I couldn’t of opened up in group therapy.

I am very emotional now, the medication helped with anger issues bought on by the depression, but this did have side effects as the dosage was and did contain estrogen. This bought out the feminine side to me ...

I hope you all can talk about it asa group and maybe all of us can help each other!! X

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Looks like most will avoid this thread

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I suffer with anxiety . Depression and I hate being naked on my meets due to my self harm scars

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I suffer with anxiety . Depression and I hate being naked on my meets due to my self harm scars "

Never feel bad about those scars

They are part of who you are, be proud and we’re all glad your here to show them x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Thank you hunni x

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

My pleasure xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Mental health should be a subject that people discuss openly without feeling ashamed of themselves unfortunately this often isn’t the case because so many are judgemental.

Mind is a very good charity for advice and also a lesser known charity called campaign against living miserably ( calm ) aimed at men suffering with mental health issues .. a fab charity close to my families heart . People are scared of mental health because they don’t understand it and we could all do with being better educated on it .

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Thank you for this it’s good to see posts and support on this issue

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire


"I have it. Suffered three mental breakdowns and have tried to take my own life twice. Noticing how uncomfortable people look when you try and open up about it still makes me feel so ashamed. "

Nothing to feel ashamed about, takes a brave person to be open about such things..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I recently completed a mental health first aid course to help provide immediate support to people in crisis......certainly challenged my preconceptions and 'reset' my attitude !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Lost connections by Johann Hari is an excellent book. Just bought it for my son. I've only dipped into myself and am waiting for him to finish so I can give it a proper read. Loads of good reviews... check it out

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I recently completed a mental health first aid course to help provide immediate support to people in crisis......certainly challenged my preconceptions and 'reset' my attitude ! "

Brilliant

Wish more people would do what you have done

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

Personally speaking I recognised a couple of years ago that I have had mild bouts of the black dog for many years, fortunately only occasionally..

Have seen very strong men in the military and one of the blue light services succumb to a far more serious level with devastating effects for their families..

As a gender we are not the best about seeking help or even talking about such things..

Good thread op and stay strong..

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By *iversong321Woman
over a year ago

Preston/Merseyside

No doesn't scare me at all, tho I am used to seeing more extreme mental health issues. The average person in the street has v limited awareness, tho little by little attitudes to MH are being changed, tho there is still alot of work to be done. The more people talk the more people learn.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well done for speaking out about this. I'm a psychotherapist specialising in trauma and the simple fact is any one of us can end up with mental health problems triggered by events beyond our control.

I highly recommend resilience work to help retrain the brains response and perception of events. Breathing exercises and safe space work are actually really effective xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Yep I know I have had councilling sessions and read therapy on this, thanks they are good comments and very relevant

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have it.. sever depression and anxiety that spikes with traumatic stress. Im on medication and struggle to cope when the shit pile grows too much.

I'm not ashamed of it, just as it weakens me at times it also makes me a stronger person.

Anyone who is disrespectful towards mental health is proving they are afraid because they don't understand it.

I am not afraid to say how I suffer because I hope this helps others to accept it.

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By *inkerbell67Woman
over a year ago

Clacton on sea essex

I live with borderline personality disorder can be a real night some times

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I have it.. sever depression and anxiety that spikes with traumatic stress. Im on medication and struggle to cope when the shit pile grows too much.

I'm not ashamed of it, just as it weakens me at times it also makes me a stronger person.

Anyone who is disrespectful towards mental health is proving they are afraid because they don't understand it.

I am not afraid to say how I suffer because I hope this helps others to accept it. "

With you on this

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I live with borderline personality disorder can be a real night some times "

I hope talking on here and to people who listen helps

To all on this thread I would like to extend the hand of pure friendship

I am always available to anyone who wants a chat

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

In UK 99,9% has mental issues

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Do these three words scare you?

I have been diagnosed with the above and so many people nowadays have, depression, anger issues, anxiety. These aren’t so scary words are they.. yet they are all “mental health issues”

It’s time to stop putting this issue into the no go area and get people to understand most people will suffer problems in this area at some point in their life!!

Give your honesty and speak about it"

So the DSM (formal list of mental illnesses that affect humans) states if I remember right that there exist a large number of possible mental issues, and near everybody is afflicted by some of them at one time or other.

The key criteria they point out: if it affects your life to your detriment, then it is a problem. That is to say it's not the job of psychiatrists and psychologists to fix each person into normative behaviour or thinking - which is probably impossible anyway. No - it's only a topic for concern when it hurts you or other people in your life.

I think this is a wise choice. It's good you've formally recognized that you've anger/anxiety issues. For a long time I think I was misantropic and antisocial (while thinking this was normal), it's something we gradually come out I think - I'm still too asocial but I'm coming out of that too and I'm sure a similar process can happen for you.

I think also it's important to give each other what is called 'the principal of charity'. It's very easy to see each other darkly, see only the worst intentions, so on. We've also got to prevent predatory behavior from other people so it's a balance, you can err in both ways.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have depression and an eating disorders, I've had treatment in the past, which hasn't seemed to help.

At the moment I'm coping reasonably well without medication, but through the winter I find it really tough.

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By *oddess ZCouple
over a year ago

Wrexham

I'm a mental health and chronic illness warrior I say warrior because anyone and everyone fighting demons in there own head is certainly a warrior as are people fighting against there own body

... It scares people away but honestly they aren't worth it if they can't see past the label.

IBS, migraines, Joint pain, anxiety, PTSD

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I suffer with anxiety . Depression and I hate being naked on my meets due to my self harm scars "

Might be different for a woman but Mr's stab wound scars really turn me on. Love them x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I myself suffer with a mental health disorder, for so long I felt ‘different’ ever since childhood but the GP said it’s depression every time just increased my meds every time!!!

Wasn’t until I had mental breakdowns while working as a midwife that they actually took me seriously, psychiatric appointment arranged through occupational health and I got a diagnosis but things went downhill badly after that, however, six years on and I’ve had lots and lots of therapy to change my thinking and thought processes and life for me now is great, I was very lucky to get the therapy I had not everyone is so fortunate. More does need to be done to end the stigma and judgement around mental health, I used to feel so ashamed but I now embrace being a bit different and I accept me for who I am now, just regrettable it’s taken such a long time

Ms B

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Good for you to share this

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think the words "mental health issues" have the same effect on people as the word "spastic" did years ago. It needs rebranding.

It's currently being talked about loads more which I think will help. Lots of people are affected- I think it will be good to know you're not alone. I like the adverts with the post-its on people's heads.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I think the words "mental health issues" have the same effect on people as the word "spastic" did years ago. It needs rebranding.

It's currently being talked about loads more which I think will help. Lots of people are affected- I think it will be good to know you're not alone. I like the adverts with the post-its on people's heads. "

It does need rebranding and additionally it needs to be seen as potentially temporary. A condition that in time can pass or be managed as opposed to a problem which will affect all around you forever!

I believe it's good to talk, but I'm not sure FAB is always the best place to be when in these circumstances?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Good for you to share this"

I share it with lots of people because I don’t see why I should hide it yes I get funny looks or remarks but that’s not my issue it’s theres it’s none of my business what people think of me, what’s important is what I think of me

I am who I am and I’m real

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Anyone who has a disability it scare people off on here due to have four of my own disabilities

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I think the words "mental health issues" have the same effect on people as the word "spastic" did years ago. It needs rebranding.

It's currently being talked about loads more which I think will help. Lots of people are affected- I think it will be good to know you're not alone. I like the adverts with the post-its on people's heads.

It does need rebranding and additionally it needs to be seen as potentially temporary. A condition that in time can pass or be managed as opposed to a problem which will affect all around you forever!

I believe it's good to talk, but I'm not sure FAB is always the best place to be when in these circumstances? "

I agree, I think this is the worst place to be at such a time.

Good for people to share but when they do it on the forum they potentially put themselves at risk of people taking advantage of them.

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By *eplicant JoWoman
over a year ago

Sussex countryside

[Removed by poster at 23/02/18 22:05:15]

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By *iversong321Woman
over a year ago

Preston/Merseyside


"I think the words "mental health issues" have the same effect on people as the word "spastic" did years ago. It needs rebranding.

It's currently being talked about loads more which I think will help. Lots of people are affected- I think it will be good to know you're not alone. I like the adverts with the post-its on people's heads.

It does need rebranding and additionally it needs to be seen as potentially temporary. A condition that in time can pass or be managed as opposed to a problem which will affect all around you forever!

I believe it's good to talk, but I'm not sure FAB is always the best place to be when in these circumstances? "

Depends on what the condition is. Some are life changing and being in denial of that can do more harm than good.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I think the words "mental health issues" have the same effect on people as the word "spastic" did years ago. It needs rebranding.

It's currently being talked about loads more which I think will help. Lots of people are affected- I think it will be good to know you're not alone. I like the adverts with the post-its on people's heads.

It does need rebranding and additionally it needs to be seen as potentially temporary. A condition that in time can pass or be managed as opposed to a problem which will affect all around you forever!

I believe it's good to talk, but I'm not sure FAB is always the best place to be when in these circumstances?

I agree, I think this is the worst place to be at such a time.

Good for people to share but when they do it on the forum they potentially put themselves at risk of people taking advantage of them."

I’m a very different person to one I was before my treatment, I don’t let anyone take advantage of me anymore because I have a lot of self respect compared to years ago, think that has come with maturity as well but you are right in that being on here and admitting to having mental health problems could potentially lead to being taken advantage of

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Seeing the effects of mhi first hand I do sympathise, however I don't think the sympathetic approach helps a great deal because all that did was facilitate and exacerbate the issues.

The more sympathy he got. The more internalised he become, it's like the sympathy entitled him.

It's exhausting trying to cope and you lose a sense of yourself.

I ended up not sympathising as harsh as that sounds, if I lay awake plotting his death, i'd tell him.

If he pissed me off, mhi or not i'd tell him. I'd tell him if I felt he was wallowing.

And i'd tell him straight how his actions impacted on me.

I encouraged mindfulness and self reflection, encouraged positive thoughts. Gave him opposites to his negatives.

And I'm sorry, you have to want to help yourself before anyone else can.

Systematically and incrementally, little by little.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

No. This is an area of health, which is important for everyone. Just as many get physical health issues through their lifetime, a high proportion of the population will have mental health issues. As physical and mental health are linked, it's important that both are taken care of, although mental health has been the poorer relation, quite wrongly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Seeing the effects of mhi first hand I do sympathise, however I don't think the sympathetic approach helps a great deal because all that did was facilitate and exacerbate the issues.

The more sympathy he got. The more internalised he become, it's like the sympathy entitled him.

It's exhausting trying to cope and you lose a sense of yourself.

I ended up not sympathising as harsh as that sounds, if I lay awake plotting his death, i'd tell him.

If he pissed me off, mhi or not i'd tell him. I'd tell him if I felt he was wallowing.

And i'd tell him straight how his actions impacted on me.

I encouraged mindfulness and self reflection, encouraged positive thoughts. Gave him opposites to his negatives.

And I'm sorry, you have to want to help yourself before anyone else can.

Systematically and incrementally, little by little.

"

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By *appy squirrelWoman
over a year ago

Norwich

sometimes suffer from depression and also work in mental health. so many great people I have been able to meet and hope fully helped to some degree.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Seeing the effects of mhi first hand I do sympathise, however I don't think the sympathetic approach helps a great deal because all that did was facilitate and exacerbate the issues.

The more sympathy he got. The more internalised he become, it's like the sympathy entitled him.

It's exhausting trying to cope and you lose a sense of yourself.

I ended up not sympathising as harsh as that sounds, if I lay awake plotting his death, i'd tell him.

If he pissed me off, mhi or not i'd tell him. I'd tell him if I felt he was wallowing.

And i'd tell him straight how his actions impacted on me.

I encouraged mindfulness and self reflection, encouraged positive thoughts. Gave him opposites to his negatives.

And I'm sorry, you have to want to help yourself before anyone else can.

Systematically and incrementally, little by little.

"

I agree, I think it's a fine line between supporting and enabling. There sometimes comes a time when you can't support the person anymore and you have to walk away for your own mental health. People shouldn't be made to feel bad for walking away.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Massive difference between sympathy and empathy.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I worked with young adults with mental health issues in my previous school, it was so hard; watching these young people struggle every day with everything from anxiety to schizophrenia was heart breaking ... we need to stop treating mental health issues as a dirty little secret and start talking!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Seeing the effects of mhi first hand I do sympathise, however I don't think the sympathetic approach helps a great deal because all that did was facilitate and exacerbate the issues.

The more sympathy he got. The more internalised he become, it's like the sympathy entitled him.

It's exhausting trying to cope and you lose a sense of yourself.

I ended up not sympathising as harsh as that sounds, if I lay awake plotting his death, i'd tell him.

If he pissed me off, mhi or not i'd tell him. I'd tell him if I felt he was wallowing.

And i'd tell him straight how his actions impacted on me.

I encouraged mindfulness and self reflection, encouraged positive thoughts. Gave him opposites to his negatives.

And I'm sorry, you have to want to help yourself before anyone else can.

Systematically and incrementally, little by little.

"

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By *rincessvenusCouple
over a year ago

Hull

what about us people that have a partner with it boy do we suffer

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Anyone who has a disability it scare people off on here due to have four of my own disabilities "

Disability?

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I think the words "mental health issues" have the same effect on people as the word "spastic" did years ago. It needs rebranding.

It's currently being talked about loads more which I think will help. Lots of people are affected- I think it will be good to know you're not alone. I like the adverts with the post-its on people's heads.

It does need rebranding and additionally it needs to be seen as potentially temporary. A condition that in time can pass or be managed as opposed to a problem which will affect all around you forever!

I believe it's good to talk, but I'm not sure FAB is always the best place to be when in these circumstances?

I agree, I think this is the worst place to be at such a time.

Good for people to share but when they do it on the forum they potentially put themselves at risk of people taking advantage of them."

Why, that makes me stronger..

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Massive difference between sympathy and empathy."

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"what about us people that have a partner with it boy do we suffer"

Yes you do, my lovely wife included.. your support means everything to people like me, and although because of our illnesses sometimes we hurt those who love us, we hate ourselves for doing it, but something still makes us do these things... together we are stronger and love and encouragement understanding and help is what we need

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By *sylockeWoman
over a year ago

East Anglia

Well statistics say that at least 1 in 10 people are living with mental health issues. I live with depression and was surprised at how many people disclosed theirs when I started chatting about mine. It’s nothing to be ashamed about.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Love these posts!

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder over 10 years ago, add to that an anxiety disorder, clinical depression and ptsd. It's hard fucking work and for years I hid it...but no more. Now I'm totally open about it and am not ashamed. Just has borderline personality disorder too so we both understand each other better than most would!

It's good to speak up!

End the stigma

Lou

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Love these posts!

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder over 10 years ago, add to that an anxiety disorder, clinical depression and ptsd. It's hard fucking work and for years I hid it...but no more. Now I'm totally open about it and am not ashamed. Just has borderline personality disorder too so we both understand each other better than most would!

It's good to speak up!

End the stigma

Lou "

Jeff....not just

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By *ishopstippleMan
over a year ago

Purley

1 in 4 people will be diagnosed with a mental health problem this year, and get help for it.

It's the other 3/4 that: I worry about

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I think the words "mental health issues" have the same effect on people as the word "spastic" did years ago. It needs rebranding.

It's currently being talked about loads more which I think will help. Lots of people are affected- I think it will be good to know you're not alone. I like the adverts with the post-its on people's heads.

It does need rebranding and additionally it needs to be seen as potentially temporary. A condition that in time can pass or be managed as opposed to a problem which will affect all around you forever!

I believe it's good to talk, but I'm not sure FAB is always the best place to be when in these circumstances?

I agree, I think this is the worst place to be at such a time.

Good for people to share but when they do it on the forum they potentially put themselves at risk of people taking advantage of them.

Why, that makes me stronger.."

Mailing hundreds of people and getting no response whatsoever isn't a nice feeling. Just one example.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

not scary at all to me - ive had a massive break down in the past followed a few years later by a massive grieve - ive worked with sufferers of mental health problems in the community and now work with sever dementia and brain injury so i guess its part and parcel of my life

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By *losfukbudsCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

Well I'm bi polar x

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By *rincess peachWoman
over a year ago

shits creek

Full blown break down May last year. Been a tough old road to getting to where I am today. I still have triggers.

Manipulation

Lies

Lack of closure/answers

Biggest thing I've learned is to trust my gut and not people.

I urge anyone struggling to go to your GP. There is ZERO shame.

If I'm brutally honest I've been on and off the depression scale since teenage years, I have bouts of it, last year was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I couldn't function and ended up needing 9 months off work. I've made no secret about it, in fact I want to be an inspiration to others, I want people to see there is light, it just might not be burning brightly.

With the right help, you can wake up one morning and see the sun.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

One of the things needed i feel is more understanding and teaching of Emotional hygiene.

Emotional hygiene refers to being mindful of our psychological health and adopting brief daily habits to monitor and address psychological wounds when we sustain them.

Currently, our general neglect of our emotional hygiene is profound, in a world where our minds are under constant information overload, stress levels at an all time high and depression on the increase. what daily activity do we do to maintain our psychological health?

I would argue the consequences of neglecting emotional hygiene can have a detrimental affect on any relationship or individual.

For example after cross words with partners or friends do we make sure theirs and our self-esteem recovers and rebounds back to where it should be. Are we aware of the ways negative self-talk impacts on theirs and our emotional resilience and how do they deal with it.

As an indivdual do you know how to break out of a cycle of ruminating and brooding about distressing events within your life. I.e loseing your temper, arguing, letting your partner down etc ?

Any of the above left unchecked can cause negative emotions that pick away at us and grow creating an psychological wound, that then can impact in all aspects of our lives.

So how do we start to tackle emotional hygiene.

Pay Attention to Emotional Pain

If you find yourself hurting emotionally for several days because of a rejection, a failure, a bad mood etc, this feeling needs to be brought under control so it reduces the damage it can do. Look at ways to compensate for these feelings. Meditation, mindfulness etc even just opening up and talking to your partner.

Stop Emotional Bleeding

Many psychological wounds launch vicious cycles that only make the pain worse. For example, failure can lead to a lack of confidence and feelings of helplessness that only make you more likely to fail again in the future. Having awareness of these consequences, catching these negative cycles, and stopping your emotional bleeding by correcting them is crucial in many such situations.

Protect Your Self-Esteem

Our self-esteem acts as an emotional immune system which can buffer us and lend us greater emotional resilience. Therefore, we should get in the habit of monitoring our self-esteem, boosting it when it is low, and avoiding negative self-talk of the kind that damages it further.

Battle Negative Thinking

It is natural to think about distressing events, but when our thinking becomes repetitive we are no longer problem-solving, we are ruminating. Ruminating can be very costly to our psychological health, as well as to our physical health, and can put us at risk for clinical depression. We have to battle negative thinking and avoid falling into the habit of over-focusing on distressing events.

When you learn how to treat psychological wounds—and teach those we love how to do so as well—you will not only build emotional resilience, you will thrive.

Once you are aware of emotional hygiene and how to spot it you can put your own emotional first aid kit together. Build brief interventions into your daily routine. Encourage those in your life to share emotional baggage with each other and simple talk.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Anyone who has a disability it scare people off on here due to have four of my own disabilities

Disability?"

meaning from Mental health issues too social skill

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes they are scary, mostly because of the stigma. Also because unlike a physical health issue e.g. a broken leg, bout of flu., there is no magic cure.

It should not be treated differently to any other illness. It's common and will touch most of us, directly or via friends and family. So attitudes need to change.

All the best to OP and anyone else suffering.

Xxc

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Thank you OP for posting this, I've been toying with starting a thread on this subject but was worried at what kind of reception I'd get.

4 years ago I was diagnosed with severe depression and severe anxiety (and I'm suicidal). I took it hard but mainly because after some research I realised I've had these probably since my early teens....untreated for nearly 20 years.

In that 4 years I've gotten worse and worse. Anti-depressants either make the anxiety worse or turn me in to an emotional zombie. After a near suicide attempt it was heavily encouraged that I move back in with my parents.

I would really like to hear people's experiences with bi-polar, as lately I feel I may have developed this. Approx every 5 weeks I'll be either riding high and ready to take on the world and then when I'm low and my behaviour is erratic, I push people away, lose my temper easily, shit myself away from the outside world and generally feel utter despair.

I hate cognitive behavioural therapy. To me it can be summed up like this.....

"When you feel down, pretend you're happy". WheneverI ask for 121 therapy or counselling I just get told "we're not quite there yet" trust Me, I'm fucking there!!

Unfortunately even when I'm feeling on the up I'm very aware of it's vice like grip on me. It's taken over nearly every aspect of my life. Can't keep a job for more than a few weeks. Screw up any potential relationship that might be blossoming. It's affected my physical health. Regularly fall out with my friends because of it.

Speaking of friends, sometimes they're really supportive (as they too have MHI in one form or another) but it really grinds my gears when they the whole lad banter thing with me (they know it's one of my triggers) but do it anyway.

I feel like I'm ranting now but just wanted to share my thoughts and feelings

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Wanted to post this separately as I didn't want it to get lost on my other post.

Any men who are just reading through this and suffering in silence. Especially in Yorkshire and the North East.

I implore you to go online and search

Andy's Man Club

It's such a fantastic place. It started in Halifax as a place for men to go and talk about mental health problems and suicidal tendencies. And it has spread massively and they're are Andy's Man Club's in a fair few places now.

So please. If you're suffering in silence and there's an AMC near you go along. The hardest part is walking through those doors the first time but I PROMISE it'll be the best decision you'll ever make.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 40 in the UK and Andy's Man Club mission is to change that.

They're not mental health professionals. They're just regular guys like you and me, talking shit out and it WORKS!!

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By *ig rig hullMan
over a year ago

Hull


"Wanted to post this separately as I didn't want it to get lost on my other post.

Any men who are just reading through this and suffering in silence. Especially in Yorkshire and the North East.

I implore you to go online and search

Andy's Man Club

It's such a fantastic place. It started in Halifax as a place for men to go and talk about mental health problems and suicidal tendencies. And it has spread massively and they're are Andy's Man Club's in a fair few places now.

So please. If you're suffering in silence and there's an AMC near you go along. The hardest part is walking through those doors the first time but I PROMISE it'll be the best decision you'll ever make.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 40 in the UK and Andy's Man Club mission is to change that.

They're not mental health professionals. They're just regular guys like you and me, talking shit out and it WORKS!!"

Talking works!! I spent 3 weeks in hospital and lucky to be alive!! I didn't want to be alive and felt alone! Never get that low and talk to someone! My ears are always open

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By *ouplenewmkCouple
over a year ago

milton keynes

Did anyone watch girls on edge on Thursday night bbc2 9pm ( it’s on catch up) about the rising mental health issues in our teens.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Love these posts!

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder over 10 years ago, add to that an anxiety disorder, clinical depression and ptsd. It's hard fucking work and for years I hid it...but no more. Now I'm totally open about it and am not ashamed. Just has borderline personality disorder too so we both understand each other better than most would!

It's good to speak up!

End the stigma

Lou "

Thanks

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Thank you OP for posting this, I've been toying with starting a thread on this subject but was worried at what kind of reception I'd get.

4 years ago I was diagnosed with severe depression and severe anxiety (and I'm suicidal). I took it hard but mainly because after some research I realised I've had these probably since my early teens....untreated for nearly 20 years.

In that 4 years I've gotten worse and worse. Anti-depressants either make the anxiety worse or turn me in to an emotional zombie. After a near suicide attempt it was heavily encouraged that I move back in with my parents.

I would really like to hear people's experiences with bi-polar, as lately I feel I may have developed this. Approx every 5 weeks I'll be either riding high and ready to take on the world and then when I'm low and my behaviour is erratic, I push people away, lose my temper easily, shit myself away from the outside world and generally feel utter despair.

I hate cognitive behavioural therapy. To me it can be summed up like this.....

"When you feel down, pretend you're happy". WheneverI ask for 121 therapy or counselling I just get told "we're not quite there yet" trust Me, I'm fucking there!!

Unfortunately even when I'm feeling on the up I'm very aware of it's vice like grip on me. It's taken over nearly every aspect of my life. Can't keep a job for more than a few weeks. Screw up any potential relationship that might be blossoming. It's affected my physical health. Regularly fall out with my friends because of it.

Speaking of friends, sometimes they're really supportive (as they too have MHI in one form or another) but it really grinds my gears when they the whole lad banter thing with me (they know it's one of my triggers) but do it anyway.

I feel like I'm ranting now but just wanted to share my thoughts and feelings "

I think your post is brilliant and from the heart

ThanQ

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Full blown break down May last year. Been a tough old road to getting to where I am today. I still have triggers.

Manipulation

Lies

Lack of closure/answers

Biggest thing I've learned is to trust my gut and not people.

I urge anyone struggling to go to your GP. There is ZERO shame.

If I'm brutally honest I've been on and off the depression scale since teenage years, I have bouts of it, last year was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I couldn't function and ended up needing 9 months off work. I've made no secret about it, in fact I want to be an inspiration to others, I want people to see there is light, it just might not be burning brightly.

With the right help, you can wake up one morning and see the sun. "

Nanna hugs xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It’s so good to see so many people able to speak out on here. It turns out my father suffered all his life with depression, but I had no idea until the day he committed suicide. I now know how important talking about mental health can be. I wish I’d known then. Xxxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Thanks for all your kind words

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've been unable to work for nearly 10 years due to severe anxiety and depression. Started my new job 2 weeks ago on an unpaid work trial. Start getting paid a week Tuesday. Solent Mind have been a godsend. As well my incredibly understanding GP. I live alone so there's lots of times when my home doesn't get cleaned or I don't go out because I can't go out alone. But I'm doing well at the moment. Meeting new people, joining fab etc. I'll be on meds for awhile yet and I'm back on the waiting list for counselling. Every time I've seen a counsellor a few months after starting their fundings been cut. So it's been difficult to get and effective long term help.

It's hard for my family as we don't talk about stuff. And I've needed them to know about my issues and illnesses. But we are lot more open with each other. I even told them all I'm bi a couple of weeks ago. They've been incredibly supportive.

Self care, medication, talking therapy, mindfulness and healthy relationships are my personal treatment plan.

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By *alel77Man
over a year ago

Swansea

You have diabetes, you treat it with insulin.

You have cancer, you treat it with chemotherapy.

You have high blood pressure, you adjust your diet and take medication.

You have depression/anxiety, you seek therapy and possibly take medication to help you get through it.

It shouldn’t be “taboo” anymore, it’s an illness.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Im on the other side mostly and have family that suffer. It can be heartbreaking and messy and really hard to be a part of, but i would rather everything was out in the open, however dark the thoughts, and spoken about than kept inside to fester . I will always listen and do my best by that person.

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By *ellMan
over a year ago

WILLENHALL

I was diagnosed with EUPD 2 years ago and it can be like living on a roller coaster. I have the semi-colon tattoo on my neck, it's there so people will ask, what it's for and what's its significance....it then gives me the opportunity to talk about my mental health and try in my own small way to break down those awful barriers.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I am seeing my gp on another issue but am going to tell him am severely depressed again

I need help as my family and love ones are suffering because of my condition

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I am seeing my gp on another issue but am going to tell him am severely depressed again

I need help as my family and love ones are suffering because of my condition "

Good luck. x

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham


"Got diagnosed myself last year with depression and being on the autisum spectrum. Was not a great year but am learning to deal with it. It is nothing to be ashamed of I just have to take a happy pill everyday."

Getting diagnosed shouldn't be a bad thing, it should be the beginning of it. As you now know what it is that you didn't know you had, there is a wealth of information out there, support groups, counselling and at the very last resort medication.

Time to start controlling it and start living again.

Yes,it is easy for me to say this. As I only suffer from occasionally anxiety attacks in social settings, but the the information that was our there I put to good use when I had my cancer. It won't solve things, but it can explain why things are happening.

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By *hatYorkLadMan
over a year ago

York

I had depression, anxiety and OCD (the pure obsessional type where it's unwanted thoughts on a loop with no outward compulsions) all at the same time for years, it started when I was around 7 or 8 years old and got worse as I got into my teens and early 20's as I kept it all to myself and exacerbated it with various things. Finally sought help when I was 24 and also learned how to help myself. It hasn't gone but I deal with it to the point it rarely bothers me now and life is normal, without any medication too

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