Talking about mental health

The blogs below are written by people with personal experience of mental health problems. By talking about their experiences, they aim to break down stereotypes and take the taboo out of something that can affect us all. You can also read our tips on:

Telling my parents I have a mental illness was the hardest part

Submitted by natalieanneread on Tue, 18/06/2013 - 5:30pm

Natalie The hardest issue I had to face was to tell my parents I was ill. They were worried, understandably, and wondered why I hadn't come to them earlier. They didn't understand what was going on and had no idea what it was that I was facing.

Who cares?

Submitted by _Carla_ on Mon, 17/06/2013 - 5:58pm

Caral Well, we should. Mental health is a conversation topic avoided by many, perhaps we are scared, but I know for sure that many of us are uncomfortable with it. One thing is crystal: there is extensive stigmatization surrounding the issue today and this needs to stop.

Nobody is ashamed to admit that they have hayfever

Submitted by __Mark__ on Fri, 14/06/2013 - 3:52pm

Mark Many people take some kind of medication. Some people take pills to bring down their blood pressure, some people take something to relieve heartburn after a hot curry, and others take tablets to help with arthritis after playing too much football in their youth.

I have hayfever. I use a nasal spray twice a day, which normally does the trick. If I’m having a really bad day, I’ll take an antihistamine as well.

Many friends have revealed their struggle with low mood and anxiety

Submitted by _Mandy_ on Thu, 13/06/2013 - 8:21am

Mandy I have lived with depression since a very young age. Despite this, not many people know about my battle. It just isn’t something that people talk about.