"I may feel anxious or depressed, but I am not anxiety or depression"
On World Mental Health Day, we asked people to share their thoughts on what mental health means to them. We’ve received some fantastic videos (which you can find on our social media channels throughout World Mental Health Day) but not everyone wanted to film themselves.
Lucy works in our the research department and she had plenty to say about why it is good to talk openly about mental health.
What does mental health mean to you?
I treat mental health struggles as an experience, something to learn from. When my mood is low, it is easy to think that it will never improve, but it’s important to recognise that the feeling of depression will not last for ever. Nothing ever does.
It is important to always show up for life, even when the black dog is around. We should all remember that any mental health difficulty is something which is only a part of us, but it doesn’t define us. I may feel anxious or depressed, but I am not anxiety or depression.
What does World Mental Health Day mean to you?
A collective effort to bring more compassion to others suffering.
Why is it important to raise mental health awareness?
To educate and expand awareness about mental health. It is so important for everyone to recognise the importance of investing in their own mental health and respecting and helping others with their mental health.
Why is World Mental Health Day important?
To help others to find their voice, not suffer in silence and be supported with acceptance and hope.
Why is it important to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health?
Because veterans and their partners voices are often silenced by the nature and stigma of PTSD, therefore we need to support veterans in carrying their voices.
Why do you enjoy working for a mental health charity?
It’s a lovely place to work and I get a warmth, connection and a collective focus knowing that everyone is supporting veterans. I enjoy bringing a little light to others lives.
Why does the mental health stigma need to be tackled?
So the next generation look at one another with less judgement and more love and acceptance, building a stronger and more conscious seeking society.
What’s one thing we can all do to tackle the mental health stigma?
Each and every one of us can take a courageous step towards talking about our own mental health and I see World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to normalise others mental health struggles and develop more acceptance of one another.