MENTAL HEALTH TAG (#MHAW17)
- Nyxie Rose Beauty
- May 14, 2017
- 3 min read
Mental Health Awareness Week (#MHAW17) is something that is rather important to me, I haven't really spoken out about my mental health on here as I find it a little bit upsetting. But as it's MHAW17 I thought I'd speak out and do the mental health tag.
1. WHAT IS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE?
I have depression and anxiety.
2. DO YOU HAVE MEDICATION AND/OR THERAPY?
I have anti-depressants and I've had CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).
3. WHAT THERAPY/MEDICATION HAVE YOU TRIED AND HAS ANY WORKED FOR YOU?
For my depression, I've tried Prozac/Fluoxetine but it didn't actually do anything. So they switched me over to Citalopram. I've never been given anything for my anxiety though. Therapy was pointless, it was group which is stressful for me and honestly told me things I already knew. I've never been offered 1-2-1. My therapy has all been via a voluntary group which the NHS seems to favour over their own Mental Health team.
4. HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD PROBLEMS FOR?
I'm not entirely sure when it started, I've always been a highly emotional and anxious person. But I know it really kicked in about 3/4 years ago. I was only officially diagnosed as severely depressed and anxious (even signed off work due to it) about 2 years ago.
5. DOES YOUR FAMILY/FRIENDS KNOW?
They do. I don't like to keep anything from the people I care about. It's also important that they know because they can watch for any signs of it getting worse.
6. DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR WORK AND DAILY LIVING?
Oh god yes. I was signed off work for it, which resulted in me losing my job. I've now been signed off again but for MH and another health issue (again lost a job because of being signed off sick) and it's really upsetting. I'm not keen on going out for nights out with friends and it's really screwed over some of my friendships. There are days where I honestly don't fancy getting out of bed, and when I do, I'm so emotionally drained within a few hours.
7. WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL CALM?
Making things and cuddles tend to make me feel calm. If I'm having a panic attack I try to focus on an object that's far away and pick out five things like colour, texture, shapes ect.
8. WHAT DO YOU DO IN A CRISIS?
I talk to people. I've got a crisis plan in case something ever does go wrong, but I've never needed it. If I feel really, really bad. I tend to have a bath and listen to metal. Or go to sleep. Naps fix everything.
9. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS SUFFERING?
Talk to people, don't keep it to yourself. There is no shame in needing help due to mental health. Reach out to someone or book yourself in to see a doctor. It might not seem like it, but the future will get better.
10. WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE?
My family, my boyfriend, and cute animals!
11. DESCRIBE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE IN FIVE WORDS.
Exhausting, draining, lonely, chaotic and miserable.
12. INSERT A PICTURE TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE.
Have a picture of our poochy!
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