Opening up a bit here, but I am diagnosed schizophrenic (I never hear voices or anything like that touch wood, it's more a difference in how the brain operates). I was sectioned age 19 when my issues were really taking off (this was in 2001).
For a long time I didn't wanna live. Severe body image issues that weren't addressed (and still aren't really addressed to this day) and I never really learned how to 'live life'. I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, I have never gone clubbing or anything. My main social outlet has been playing football as an adult since 2002, where I have met some great people and friends.
In 2016 I started a depot injection. It has been a long road to recovery and isn't a magic pill, but the depot has really taken away a lot of my suicidal and negative thinking. Now I can enjoy things without depression getting in the way, and I have a new lease on life whereby I want to live and enjoy the simple things others do - (football, films, sunrises, going walks on beautiful days etc). In the past I was far too caught up in my problems and let life and my youth slip away a lot, which I really regret.
The only side effects to the depot are some physical aspects, such as a bit of weight gain. There's maybe some long term issues in terms of brain alterations too. But I am willing to work a bit harder to stay in physical fitness if my mental fitness is better. I couldn't have gone on the way I was - I hated waking up every day for many years even if I could block it out sometimes. I was on olanzapine but very bad at taking it every day, so the depot (clopixol, a different med) has worked wonders for me as it is a slow release and I don't have to think about it for another four weeks (I am on a pretty low, infrequent dose, and that seems to keep me well so far).
My point is that I understand why some people get very down and struggle with mental health issues. I am not saying anything new, but in this world we are taught to hold our emotions in and not talk about them, and treated like robots who just exist to work, eat and sleep (and especially for men, though not to downplay women's struggles at all).
People need to know that they have intrinsic value themselves as a person. There are some arseholes out there - that is unavoidable. But generally, if you are a good and kind and caring person people will respond to that. In my experience, some people can also sense when someone is struggling, though others are oblivious as many people with depression and anxiety try to hide it. There's nothing to be ashamed about - the human brain is very complex so it's normal that one small thing can cause brain chemistry to alter and people to hence have mental health difficulties.
if anyone is reading this and struggling, or too scared to speak out - please don't be. As someone who is in the mental health service, they really do want to help (maybe I am just lucky with my team), even if they are stretched to the limit. Having someone to talk to (whether it's a professional or a friend) is very therapeutic and will make you feel a whole lot better - it sounds cliche but it's true.
Ultimately our brain is a complicated organ. So much can make it malfunction or cause us to have mental health problems. If you are finding life a struggle or not enjoying it, please seek some help or assistance, because I speak from first-hand experience that there's nothing quite like waking up and wanting to wake up, and enjoying the small things in life. Yes, I still have my issues especially in terms of self-esteem etc, but I have learned to put them in better perspective now and I think that's only been possible thanks to my depot and talking to others.
Believe me, I was as messed up as it's possible to be, and I have 80 percent come through the other side and found meaning in life again. You can too.
Apologies for the long post.
For a long time I didn't wanna live. Severe body image issues that weren't addressed (and still aren't really addressed to this day) and I never really learned how to 'live life'. I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, I have never gone clubbing or anything. My main social outlet has been playing football as an adult since 2002, where I have met some great people and friends.
In 2016 I started a depot injection. It has been a long road to recovery and isn't a magic pill, but the depot has really taken away a lot of my suicidal and negative thinking. Now I can enjoy things without depression getting in the way, and I have a new lease on life whereby I want to live and enjoy the simple things others do - (football, films, sunrises, going walks on beautiful days etc). In the past I was far too caught up in my problems and let life and my youth slip away a lot, which I really regret.
The only side effects to the depot are some physical aspects, such as a bit of weight gain. There's maybe some long term issues in terms of brain alterations too. But I am willing to work a bit harder to stay in physical fitness if my mental fitness is better. I couldn't have gone on the way I was - I hated waking up every day for many years even if I could block it out sometimes. I was on olanzapine but very bad at taking it every day, so the depot (clopixol, a different med) has worked wonders for me as it is a slow release and I don't have to think about it for another four weeks (I am on a pretty low, infrequent dose, and that seems to keep me well so far).
My point is that I understand why some people get very down and struggle with mental health issues. I am not saying anything new, but in this world we are taught to hold our emotions in and not talk about them, and treated like robots who just exist to work, eat and sleep (and especially for men, though not to downplay women's struggles at all).
People need to know that they have intrinsic value themselves as a person. There are some arseholes out there - that is unavoidable. But generally, if you are a good and kind and caring person people will respond to that. In my experience, some people can also sense when someone is struggling, though others are oblivious as many people with depression and anxiety try to hide it. There's nothing to be ashamed about - the human brain is very complex so it's normal that one small thing can cause brain chemistry to alter and people to hence have mental health difficulties.
if anyone is reading this and struggling, or too scared to speak out - please don't be. As someone who is in the mental health service, they really do want to help (maybe I am just lucky with my team), even if they are stretched to the limit. Having someone to talk to (whether it's a professional or a friend) is very therapeutic and will make you feel a whole lot better - it sounds cliche but it's true.
Ultimately our brain is a complicated organ. So much can make it malfunction or cause us to have mental health problems. If you are finding life a struggle or not enjoying it, please seek some help or assistance, because I speak from first-hand experience that there's nothing quite like waking up and wanting to wake up, and enjoying the small things in life. Yes, I still have my issues especially in terms of self-esteem etc, but I have learned to put them in better perspective now and I think that's only been possible thanks to my depot and talking to others.
Believe me, I was as messed up as it's possible to be, and I have 80 percent come through the other side and found meaning in life again. You can too.
Apologies for the long post.
