Mental health

Once upon a time, my blog was semi-anonymous, but now it's not.  So here is what I am willing to risk being known to people in my real world.  If you know me in real life and you want to know more, please just ask me and get to know me instead of relying on second hand rumours.  (You know who you are).

I have encountered both secular and religious approaches to mental health disorders that have been disempowering and over-simplistic.  It is no true that one MUST be "like this" for the rest of their lives, nor is it true that one can merely "snap out of" their issue purely by choice.  If you are bursting to diagnose, correct or label me, or tell me what kind of person I am, please be on your way.  The internet is a big place and I don't need who I am or my struggles defined by others people.

Mental health issues are generally quite complex, with a number of primary and secondary factors which spur them on.  That has certainly been the case for me.  They are a reality in my life that I acknowledge, but that doesn't mean I must revolve my life around their limitations.  I have spent years of my life being extremely unwell, but at this time, I am faring very well.

I previously had my chronology of labels on this page, but I removed them after they attracted unwarranted advice from well-meaning randoms.  

I hope that the pieces i write on this subject can bring some relief to others who might relate - maybe i can remind them that they are not alone in their suffering.  For me, feeling alone is the worst part of all.

If you are going through mental health struggles, my advice is, take all the help that is available to you.  Go to your appointments, listen to your doctors, get supportive people around you.  This helps you deal with the bad days and the stupid people who think they are experts on your struggles.  Do listen to the professionals and heed their advice, but remember they aren't God.  They can't save you and they can't always know exactly what is going on.  And lastly, a bit of common sense goes a long way.  Avoid drugs and alcohol, eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise.  Oh, and a big one... don't isolate!  That's a real killer.

Some helpful links are...

• Psych Central
  A good all-round site for resources and community.

• Mental Health Association NSW
  Not only are they a great all-round resource also, they have a library, run a mood disorders support group network and publish "Way Ahead", a comprehensive directory of mental health and welfare related services across New South Wales.

There are so many other great resources out there, just Google!