Why is mental health so embarrassing to talk about? Since being sectioned twice this year, this is a question that has been on my mind most days. When I was studying in Falmouth, I used to talk about mental health with most of my friends, but ironically it would mostly be about their mental health.
I used to find it easy having fluid conversations with my friends and peers about things that were bothering them, I’d even go as far to say I would give them advice and a shoulder to cry on if they needed it.
I am sure my friends would have done the same if I had opened up honestly to them about what was burdening me. I am learning to look back on my experience with a positive outlook though, and I have realised they cannot read minds.
I think the most embarrassing thing for me after leaving hospital has been having to learn to do basic things again that previously I would never have batted an eyelid at. For example, going to public places, speaking to strangers and going places on my own.
Mental health can get scary and you can often feel like you are on your own, but according to Mind.org 1/4 of us will experience mental health issues each year.
Mind.org has been a great website for me, I’ve been using it a lot to research my condition, those who have been through similar ordeals. Sometimes you do feel on your own but it helps to know you are not the only one. That is why I have started this blog, to help others who have felt isolated after dealing with mental health issues.
I have seen lots of information on how to help others who are sectioned, and a few reflective pieces about being sectioned, but there is not much out there about what to do during the limbo period of waiting for you to become yourself again.
I am sure it is a different experience for each person, and it is incredibly sensitive, but what I want to help to change is to make it less embarrassing. For myself and for those out there who are going through similar experiences.
The first time I was sectioned, I do not feel I had enough information or support once I went back to every day life. It is a huge transition and not one to be taken lightly. I remember trying to cope with it how I used to cope with most scary or upsetting things in my life: block it out. So I did, I went out with friends, I went back to university but I did all these things way too soon. Balance is the best thing to find. Slow strategic steps back to health. I am still not completely myself, but I will get there. I will be confident and bubbly and loud again, but maybe just in a different way.
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