First let me say that I love that there is a conversation being had today around Mental Health. It is a very important conversation to have, and one that has an impact on millions of Canadians. Mental Health has always been a big issue for the country, and the pandemic has only made matters worse.
I struggle with depression and anxiety. I have for most of my life, but for years I did nothing about it. I just thought it was me, that was how I viewed the world. I wasn’t like some of my friends that were happy all the time. My happiness came in small short doses. I stayed like that for a long time, and if I look back on those years I missed out on a lot. Even some of the things I was there for, holidays, parties, I wasn’t really there for them.
I stayed like this because I truly felt that having a mental health issue was a sign of weakness, I couldn’t have been further from the truth. I was fortunate to meet someone who was further along on their mental health journey. She could see the signs in me and keep telling me to talk to my doctor. To be honest she didn’t just tell me, she harassed me into seeing my doctor about it. I am so glad she did.
After a conversation with my doctor I started with anti-depressants, and they made a world of difference. After doing those for awhile I wanted to start therapy. My first three attempts were terrible. Sometimes you just don’t gel with the therapist, the same way you don’t get along with everyone in your office. I figured I would give it one more try, and I lucked out and found an amazing therapist. Eventually I was able to stop taking my medication, she had given me tools to help me manage my depression and anxiety.
Even with those tools there are days the depression or anxiety win. Days I don’t want to leave my house, days I am convinced that no one wants to hear from me. I do my best to get through those days, physical activity has helped a lot.
Mental Health is not something you overcome and it is gone, it is always there. You will just get the tools to recognize it and cope with it. There is a lot of trial and error in dealing with mental health, if the first anti depressants don’t work, tell you doctor, try different ones. If the first therapist you talk do isn’t for you, that is fine, try another one. Those are great supports, but so are family and friends. Let them know how you feel, you will be amazed how much help you can get from those closest to you.
Having said all that it is great that we talk today, but the conversation needs to continue. The stigma is lifting but it is not gone yet. Someone close to you is dealing with a mental health issue, and you may not know. Most of us are great at putting on a fake smile. If someone comes to you to discuss how they are feeling, listen. Don’t dismiss them, don’t give them a quick “Things will get better” or “Chin Up”, really listen. It makes a huge difference.
If you think you may be dealing with a mental health issue and are looking for a place to start you can call Nova Scotia Mental Health at 1-888-429-8167.
Let’s make sure that today, and everyday is a day to talk.
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