169.366 Mental Health
Last Wednesday (10th October) was World Mental Health Day.
Lot’s of people across social media made reference to this, posting from their own experiences or signposting to organisations who can support. Some were critical of the posts, some stating that this one day did nothing to further any cause for mental health and the need for a cultural shift in attitudes and behaviour to improve mental health services to the most vulnerable.
In some ways I am joining the masses shouting into the same echo chamber by marking the day with a post, but in another way I don’t think I have ever paused to state publically my experiences with mental health so here goes.
(I’ve had this idea in my mind for a long time, it seemed a good fit to the subject.)
I know that certainly by my late teens/early twenties I was prone to periods of depression. This has continued into adulthood and become more extreme. When I look at my peers I know I am not alone in that particular journey. I feel the polar opposites of extreme highs and extreme lows and the management that takes from me not to get too high and not to crash too fast. It’s an ongoing journey!
Cancer is one of the dis-eases of the modern day where ‘everyone knows someone affected by it. A quick Google shows that there recent studies to suggest that most people will suffer with a mental health illness in their lifetime. I can well believe this.
I know that our minds are more than just grey matter. The mind is a very very delicate balance of cognitive functions, consciousness, perception, thinking, judgement, language, memory, inspiration, exploration and so the list continues. Throw into the mix intuition, faith, soul and spiritual functions and there lies layer upon layer of balance to keep on an even keel.
Lifestyle choices play such a crucial role in health and well-being, diet, sleep, rest, work, the air we breathe, the places we spend our time and the questions we pose to the mind all contribute to healthy mental health.
For many this journey is their whole life.
Posted by HelenHates Peas on 2018-10-14 22:31:06
Tagged: , Self Portrait , Selfie , Me , Bubble Wrap Head , Fragile Tape