Mental health and me
For many years I have had mental health issues. I’ve had suicidal ideation and attempts.
Lucky, I’m still here to share my thoughts and experiences.
My experiences go back to my teenage years, after I experienced some extreme trauma.
Being autistic as a teenager and not knowing it has clouded my feelings. In 2011, I made an attempt to commit suicide.
I disclosed this to a friend who took me to my doctor. I was sent to the hospital and this is where my nightmare started.
In 2020, I was diagnosed autistic. I had no support bar for a couple of phone calls.
During this time, my mental health deteriorated once again. I was struggling with loneliness, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
In 2022, I attended a mental health seminar and was asked to become an involvement rep.
Since joining as an involvement rep, I have sat on interview panels, been a patient safety partner.
I have also been a thorn in the side of my mental health trust.
I have told them how it is and been praised because I'm sharing the raw truth and fighting the system, trying to make it better for others.
There have been times where my mental health has caused me to have long periods of time off from work. This has caused me a lot of trouble. When my mental health gets bad, I tend to regress and struggle with human contact.
There was a three year period, when I struggled to get involved with my hobby. I was withdrawn and grumpy. I’m now on a lived experience leadership committee, part of a research team and working on a team that is trying to make A&E’s better for autistic people. There is still loads to do, but I’m doing my little bit.
Just a word on World Mental health day, it’s so important to listen to people who are struggling with mental health and support them, by being there for them.
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Needing Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, you can contact Samaritans any time on 116 123 or via jo@samaritans.org, text SHOUT to 85258 for free 24/7 support, or find local help through the Hub of Hope at https://hubofhope.co.uk.
