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I've dealt with anxiety and depression long before this virus. But, being forced to work from home for nine months and not really being able to get out and hang with many of the people I used to on occasion has made this year a huge struggle. I'm blessed that I have friends, a boss, and a number of coworkers who are aware of my struggles and have done a lot to reach out throughout all of this to keep tabs on me and let me know I'm not as alone as I may feel sometimes. I've gained a fair amount of weight since this began, which doesn't help the anxiety or depression, and going into winter it doesn't look to improve. I know I won't be back in the office anytime soon and outside of seeing a couple of friends once a month or so, I basically stay home with my dogs.
I will also say that I'm thankful that even in my darkest times, over a decade ago, I've never considered ending it, but have seen why it becomes an option to so many. At that time, I didn't care if I lived or died, but I'd have never done anything to directly cause harm to myself. But that doesn't mean thoughts of death and how little I meant didn't creep into my thoughts. I'm also lucky enough to have a friend that works in the mental health field and has helped me a bit from time to time and given me an outlet. Not everyone has that. And as we've seen on this forum, there are still people who try and shame those that suffer with mental illness and those people do a lot of harm to society.
This year has bene horrible for mental health and we've all seen that suicide numbers are up. I also heard a stat not too long ago that only about a third of people who struggle with some type of mental illness seek any kind of assistance. There are a lot of qualified people out there that can help, with or without medicating, and I wish more people went that route. It's not 100%, but nothing is. But for most, it can be a valuable asset or tool to helping you get through rough times and even get passed them. I say all this being part of the two thirds that haven't sought help, but I will once some of this covid stuff goes away. I am unable to wear a mask for long periods of time, and the person I have decided to see is currently requiring them for sessions.
This is a long way of saying, if you're struggling with anything, don't be ashamed to talk to people. Surely, we all have at least one friend we can trust and that will listen and be there. Talking about it can go a long way, be it with a professional or not. I know that while I still struggle with things, I've felt better since I've been more open about it and those around me are aware. It allows others to see certain warning signs or just knowing more how to read you when you're in a particular place or state of mind. Maybe it's just where I work, but my being open has I believe allowed a few others to open up a little about certain aspects of their battles and has made it to where a number of my team members reach out to me just to check in.
I apologize for the lengthy post, but this is a topic that has become more and more important to me as I find out how many people I know who battle different forms of mental illness daily.
I will also say that I'm thankful that even in my darkest times, over a decade ago, I've never considered ending it, but have seen why it becomes an option to so many. At that time, I didn't care if I lived or died, but I'd have never done anything to directly cause harm to myself. But that doesn't mean thoughts of death and how little I meant didn't creep into my thoughts. I'm also lucky enough to have a friend that works in the mental health field and has helped me a bit from time to time and given me an outlet. Not everyone has that. And as we've seen on this forum, there are still people who try and shame those that suffer with mental illness and those people do a lot of harm to society.
This year has bene horrible for mental health and we've all seen that suicide numbers are up. I also heard a stat not too long ago that only about a third of people who struggle with some type of mental illness seek any kind of assistance. There are a lot of qualified people out there that can help, with or without medicating, and I wish more people went that route. It's not 100%, but nothing is. But for most, it can be a valuable asset or tool to helping you get through rough times and even get passed them. I say all this being part of the two thirds that haven't sought help, but I will once some of this covid stuff goes away. I am unable to wear a mask for long periods of time, and the person I have decided to see is currently requiring them for sessions.
This is a long way of saying, if you're struggling with anything, don't be ashamed to talk to people. Surely, we all have at least one friend we can trust and that will listen and be there. Talking about it can go a long way, be it with a professional or not. I know that while I still struggle with things, I've felt better since I've been more open about it and those around me are aware. It allows others to see certain warning signs or just knowing more how to read you when you're in a particular place or state of mind. Maybe it's just where I work, but my being open has I believe allowed a few others to open up a little about certain aspects of their battles and has made it to where a number of my team members reach out to me just to check in.
I apologize for the lengthy post, but this is a topic that has become more and more important to me as I find out how many people I know who battle different forms of mental illness daily.
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