There is so much power in sharing a story. Although everyone is different, there were some common themes in the stories we heard.
So many people have had symptoms of mental illness for years before they get professional help. Many have used alcohol or drugs to try to get some relief. They often talk about “battling” with their symptoms.
Even when they are improving with treatment, they often don’t let others know. And the treatment for many people leaves them feeling disempowered – rundown hospitals where your shoelaces are taken away, police forcing people to go to hospital under the Mental Health Act, over-sedation from medication.
But as their stories continued, the endings were about resilience and overcoming adversity. The language softened from “battling with” to “living with” or “experiencing”. “I’m a person with a lived experience of mental health issues” is how many people describe themselves.
For most, some sort of professional help is often needed. Finding a health professional you respect and get along with and trust is crucial, as are friends or family. Many of those sharing their stories were hesitant to take medication, but were helped by it – even if there were side-effects and quite a few did not need to stay on medication.
Telling their story further empowers people and helps them to recover and help others. They were well, confident and getting on with life.
Thanks to all who shared their stories with us.
