We've come a long way to #EndTheStigma around mental health but there's so much work to do. Particularly when it comes to access to services. We keep saying we treat mental illness like any other disease, but the resources available tell a different story. #BellLetsTalk thread:
When I had a serious depressive episode in my early 20s, my GP was my only option. He was retiring and happy to write a prescription. Meanwhile, I still had no idea what he wanted to treat me for. Depression and anxiety weren't real to me.
Things got worse. I had test after test because I assumed there was something "physically" wrong with me. I wasn't crazy, right?
But tests were negative. And I couldn't function. I lost 40 pounds in a few months. To say my family was worried is an understatement.
But tests were negative. And I couldn't function. I lost 40 pounds in a few months. To say my family was worried is an understatement.
My mom was the first to mention depression. We argued. Cried. Came up with a plan. Fortunately for us, a family friend was psychiatrist at the hospital and was able to see me quickly. I don't feel bad about jumping the queue that time because it may have saved my life.
The psych visit wasn't dramatic. The resident I spent time with was compassionate but direct. She gave me some tools to work on, a prescription and a doctors note for my continued absence from work. She didn't lock me up or drug me. That was a relief.
From there I found a psychologist who I felt comfortable talking to. It didn't take long for this to have an impact on my mixed up head. But even with benefits, that regular appointment was expensive and I was fortunate to have support of my family, financial and otherwise.
In the decade-plus since, life has been good. I've had two great jobs in that span, I'm healthy and I'm happy. Most of the time. It's a lifelong balancing act, but that's not as daunting a prospect as it once was. Education helped me there.
As for resources, I got lucky. I knew people, my family is financially secure and I never had to be an inpatient. I also learned how to advocate for myself. A lot of people in much worse situations don't have thst support or resources. That needs go change. Faster. #BellLetsTalk
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