World Mental Health Day Update

Earlier this month it was World Mental Health Day and as you will be aware we have been working closely with charities like MIND to raise awareness and encourage people to talk about how they are feeling and seek support should they need it.

As part of that day, we asked if colleagues would like to share their journeys on the topic of Mental Health. Today, we share the stories of two extremely brave colleagues. These colleagues demonstrate such courage and strength and most importantly that there is help for each and every one of us.

If you require support on any of the topics mentioned below, please contact the helpline numbers at the end of the story.

My Story – ‘Black Spells’

For as long as I can remember, certainly going back to childhood, I have been prone to what might commonly be called ‘black spells’. These typically last for 3-4 days once I’ve hit the lowest point, however, there is usually an unrecognised build up to them and then they hit – by which point it is too late. During these 3-4 days (sometimes it can be longer) I feel physically and mentally exhausted, like a passenger in my own body. The ‘real’ me knows that the way out is to get up and get out, do something positive, however raising the energy to do so is nigh on impossible.

My heart beats faster. I don’t think rationally. My joints ache. I can’t find the will to respond to even the simplest of questions. My stomach feels constantly like it is churning over and over. The idea of socialising is painful and I am deeply unpleasant miserable company. I am extremely short-tempered and even the tiniest thing can set of a visceral (though not violent) reaction. I prefer to be left on my own but feel guilty about abandoning those I love, creating further internal conflict – especially when I see how much it hurts them.

This is a repeating pattern. Growing up it wasn’t such a problem, as my immediate family nearly all experienced the same thing and understood it wasn’t personal, though it made for some difficult conflicts all the same.

Very few people within my immediate circle truly understand and some even get angry – not because they are angry at me but because there is no way of helping me out of it. They care so much and just want to see me well. They only way I ever seem to come out of it is when other people get upset and the ‘thing’ that has taken over my mind and body realises it’s time to leave and let the ‘real’ me fix the damage.

Lockdown has only exacerbated triggers for this behaviour, with the usual let off valves not always an option. I have never sought help for this, though that has changed after a recent episode in which it became clear a lot of things I have spent years working towards could be lost if I didn’t. I know I am not alone in experiencing this, yet each person feels totally alone when the black dog is with them – that no-one understands when the reality is that millions of others do.

Help is out there in the form of your GP, charities such as MIND, Rethink etc. Communication is key, especially so loved ones understand better. If speaking up about experiences such as this inspires one other to seek professional help or make other healthy lifestyle changes, then that is a success. It is possible to do something about this with the correct mindset and habits, and the information is out there.

 

My Story – ‘Support is there’

January 2020 it was a normal Sunday afternoon I was walking back to my car after seeing some friends. I could see someone in front of me standing against a wall as I got closer, he put his hood up, strange I thought it’s not raining. I was then grabbed by the man around my neck he strangled me and then took me into a house, where I was threatened, strangled, assaulted and raped. 

The rest of that Sunday I was in total shock, scared, frozen and in some way embarrassed to tell anyone. I went to work as normal on the Monday, the day after my sexual assault. My mind was all over the place. I knew I had to speak to someone I could trust. I called my GP she was so helpful and listened to everything I had to say (in between the tears) 

My GP took it very slowly and told me the next steps. She did the steps for me she was able to get in touch with the people that needed to know. That evening after work I was talking to the police, SARC and victim support. I did this all by myself I didn’t involve my family or friends as I didn’t want anyone to know, I felt ashamed. 

Getting help was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, talking about what happened, learning to come to terms with it.

Everyone needs to find that someone that they feel safe to talk to. I did eventually tell some of my family and a couple of close friends and they were amazing about it. 

With the help of them, MIND, Doctors and victim support I am learning to live again, learning that it was not my fault. This will take me a long time but with the right support behind me, I can and will get through this. 

MIND have been amazing and have been my rock some days as I still have my ups and downs. 

My words to everyone going through any mental health crisis now or have gone through in the past is to speak out, don't hold it in don't let it ruin your life. Get the help and support you need.

Mental health is so important. You CAN do this, you CAN live on and be a survivor. 

Get in contact with someone, anyone today. 

If you or someone you know needs support, please see below, there is help for anyone. If you would like to read more, there is also dedicated reading material on your Learning & Development platform, i.Learn, (Courses→Colleagues Learning Zone→Wellbeing→ Colleagues Resources) click here for more information.

MIND - 0300 123 3393 or Text 86463

 

GroceryAid - 08088 021 122

 

Midcounties HR Advice Line - 01926 516 469

 

Shout - text 85258

 

Samaritans - 166 123

 

Calm - 0800 585 858

 

The Mix -  0808 808 4994