(picture from the Mental Health Awareness Week Website)
When I decided to start this blog last week, I had no idea that it was Mental Health Awareness Week in NZ this week!
Since I started the blog and shared it, I have had a LOT of people reach out to tell me their stories and offer support (some have done it privately and I respect that choice). One of the common things that have come up is that mental illness needs to be TALKED ABOUT! People need to realise that it is not a matter of people feeling sorry for themselves cause they are having a bad day, it is a like this black force that takes control of your ability to think straight and see reason. It brings fear and lonliness. It does not descriminate. You can actually be having a very pleasant day but still be feeling anxious and worried and not be able to think rationally. I have had days when I have been on the phone to my mum saying "I hate feeling like this, it is stupid!" Because there is actually nothing really wrong, this black thing has just taken over. You know deep down that you are being irrational, but you don't know how to stop it!
So this week, lets all stop and take time to really listen to our friends and family, especially those with mental illness. And if you do have a mental illness, then reach out to people, you will soon find out who you can and can't talk to (there will always be some people who you can't talk to, but plenty you can).
Mental Health Foundation http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/page/5-Home
Mental Health Awareness Week http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/page/995-home
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