I Think the Ignorance About Mental Health Issues Must End

I think now more then ever society is ridiculed with mental health issues, you just need to turn on the news. It's a shame there's always been such stigma around it. When I was younger the sort of thing didn't cross my mind. People with Mental Health issues were weak minded or crazy in my eyes. It pains me to think I was so unsympathetic but I guess through being ill my mind has opened and I'm a lot more conscious how I treat people or judge them

It can happen to anyone and it did too me and I'm still in the midst of dealing with anxiety, depression and drug problems. I have seen some of the most unlikely and outwardly tough people become seriously unwell due to circumstances/loss and drug use. It seriously doesn't help that with men, it's the sort of "sort it out" attitude or to not allow anyone to see weakness because it's the reason successful suicide attempts by men are so high. I still don't like talking about these things so openly though exposing yourself so much is never a good idea but I think people shouldn't be afraid to seek professional help, I've put it off for so long out of pride, the word professional help always made me cringe but I've had it been used semi maliciously by family before, but I really can't deny I need to speak to someone now

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nacnud · 31-35, M

I agree regarding stigma. I spiralled following the death of my mother in my 20s but was fortunate that in the end my then girlfriend and family made me eventually pick up the phone for bereavement counselling. I resisted for a long time thinking I was ok despite crying below closed doors on almost a daily basis.

Having now gone through it and now in a position where I have a way to move on I encourage you to do speak to someone. Yes there is a lot of stigma and a society view of "man up" but honestly you will feel much better once you get the professional help. Think of it as the wise thing to do. You are being very strong seeking help. A lot of people mock it as they don't believe it will happen to them and when it does won't admit to it.

I can't promise the road ahead will be easy as you go through the help. My biggest issue was people wanted to help me but I wasn't able to be open enough to speak to friends and family. In the long run you will be able to look back and see speaking to people then was the right thing to do.

Footsugar123 · M

I can understand some of the things that you are going through, I was a alcoholic at one time, I said the same things and let my pride stand in my way of getting help to, I had to hit the rock bottom before I really wanted to stop using, my sister helped me, she watched me like a hawk, I stumbled and fell off the wagon a few times but got right back on, one of the biggest problems with stopping was staying away from my friends that done it to. In the end I couldn't call a single one of them friend, l was just another drink to them. But I don't even think about drinking very often, been clean many yrs I was drinking a half gallon of 100 proof Voda sometimes more every day, it made me feel normal I guess, don't give up if you really want to get your life back, don't listen to someone saying one won't hurt you, think about it when you first started if those very words rang in your ears at that time. You can do my friend
Love Rick

JoMalho · 26-30, M

@Footsugar123 Thanks man. I think my root problem is I'm just discontent with life, alcohol and drugs are pretty shit coping mechanisms for anxiety and ultimately make the problem worse. I think for like 5 years I could moderately drink to once a week but the problem was I was virtually living for the weekend and it was all I looked forward to & that should've been a red flag but it just took me becoming seriously unstable and drinking most days to admit to myself I had a problem. I'm not drinking currently but I hope I will stick to it. Glad to hear your clean & haven't thought about it much. Take care Rick

Footsugar123 · M

I used to help me to sleep, I was abused and nightmares wouldn't let me rest, then it was like you said living for the weekend, went from a pint lasting the weekend to a pint was just the first drink. I knew that I had a problem but I didn't care, I had family that didn't want to see me and wouldn't answer there phones, looking back I don't blame them. The only one that can talk to a drunk is another drunk I guess, if your stopped right now that's great, I had to tell myself no every time I passed by the liquor store, or if I seen a TV commercial, that seemed to help me to stay on track to, it's one day at a time and every day without it is a victory, don't replace one addiction with another one ok I've seen it happen good luck my friend ☺
Rick

wackidywack · 22-25

📢📢📢

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