“Crazy”, “Pyscho”, “irrational”… are all stigmas and
assumptions that actually fuel worsening conditions and discourage those to
live their fullest life’s despite already struggling with their own battles of
poor mental health.
1 in 4 people in the UK will at some point in their life
experience anxiety. Anybody can experience anxiety from any trigger…from
hereditary to life events or even stress. With Mental Health Awareness week
over (14th- 20th May), I personally don’t think mental health awareness should
ever stop being presented to help those with poor mental health to feel normal…
because they are, completely normal. I
also don’t believe there will ever be enough education for those who may be
don’t understand mental health.
Only recently have those with mental health conditions been
encouraged to spread awareness, but this is positive change and has endless
benefits to society. Although behaviours as a result of mental health can cause
uncertainty from others who know less about the particular condition or trigger
that caused it, awareness can help people to feel at ease and reduce
stereotypes.
Anxiety is like glitter, it never goes away. Although a lot
of mental health conditions are already paired with anxiety due to a lack of
self esteem or social confidence, anxiety can single handily ruin day to day
lives for some. I, myself struggled with anxiety for the past 3 years. It is
something that sometimes can be absolutely fine and I am totally on top of my
own emotions, and other times be triggered by simply having a day at home or
meeting a friend for a drink. It is irrational and difficult to control. To
begin with as I was growing up I assumed it was just hormones of a teenage girl
going through the motions, but I soon realised it was actually here to stay. To
others it may seem random and silly, most of the time I cannot describe why I
am feeling anxious even to myself. The best way to approach anxiety is to
respect whatever it is the person is feeling and leave them to make the best
decision for themselves at that time.
Taking time however to learn your own coping mechanisms is
such a positive thing for yourself, because you don’t have to further your
anxiety by relying on someone else or something else. Coping mechanisms such as
speaking to a close friend, exercise, diary keeping, CBT, using apps such as
‘Calm’, or learning your own calming techniques are all methods of
rationalising anxiety. Although mental health doesn’t go away, there are so
many ways to help take control over yours, long term as well as short term.
You aren’t alone.
Mental Health Foundation- 020 7803 1101
Together- 020 7780 7300
Young Minds- 020 7336 8445
Anxiety UK- 08444 775 774
PANDAS Foundation- 0843 28 98 401
Mind UK- 0300 123 3393
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