Flourish - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 19
I know when I look at my mental health
journey, it hasn’t been the most linear
process. Each day is different. Sometimes
there are ups. Sometimes there are downs.
But acting on your feelings and not letting
them build up until they pervade your
entire existence is key. I’m not trying to be
hyperbolic, but sometimes, when faced
with a mental health condition, it can feel
all-consuming.
Why A Mental Health
Diagnosis Doesn’t Define
You
Stress. Anxiety. Depression. Many of us
may experience these disorders, whether
they’re minor or severe. Regardless of
where you sit on the mental health
spectrum, seeking support is the only way
forward. Suppressing your feelings and not
acting can lead to significant repercussions.
Health Direct explains that hiding your
emotions may increase feelings of isolation
and may exacerbate mental health issues.
"A diagnosis is a call to action, not your
identity" - Cate Page.
This quote from our brilliant CCO rings
true. When I look back on my journey, I
buried how I felt for many years. I thought I
wasn't allowed to feel how I felt because I
had a good childhood, a good job, and
loving relationships. Yet, that’s not the case.
Mental health does not discriminate.
Anyone and everyone can succumb to the
mental health gremlins that wiggle their
way into your mind. That’s when I pushed
myself to seek a diagnosis.
It was a confronting experience. Hearing
that there’s something wrong wasn’t the
best news to receive on a brisk Saturday
morning. However, it was the first step to
finding myself again. But that was just the
beginning. I needed to act on my diagnosis,
realise that it doesn’t define me, and then
seek support. And I’m glad to say that as a
result, I’ve found that healthier me. It’s an
uphill battle with many twists and turns.
And honestly, it’ll be the same for most of
you. But that action was the first step to
recovery.
Breaking Down Mental
Health Stigmas
Stigmatisation and discrimination are bells
that toll for those who feel some form of
mental ill-health. As a male, I’ve
experienced a range of stigmas in my
journey:
