Mind Matters

These links take you to descriptions of mental illness. I remained secretive about my own battles for a long time, but in recent years I have been determined to help overcome the stigmas and misconceptions by sharing my own thoughts and experiences. Whilst I am unable to help people individually, I hope that my words will assist in the promotion of understanding by inspiring those who are battling against mental illness, and their families and friends to search for knowledge and understanding.

Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are caused, in part, by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and contrary to popular belief sufferers cannot be ‘cured’ by looking at all that is good in their lives or considering others who have far less than themselves. Depression is not about feeling very fed up, and it is not an exaggeration of normal human emotions. I strongly feel that people should not judge those who suffer, particularly if they have never experienced the anguish of extreme mental pain.

OCD is listed by the World Health Organisation as ‘one of the top 10 most disabling conditions (including physical ailments) in the world’ (www.ocdaction.org.uk). To help promote understanding I wrote Oscar Says some years ago, in order to provide a simplistic insight into the world of OCD; I have also decided to publish the words from my personal story in the book Coping with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, published in 2012 by Sheldon Press. The day I was asked to be a co-author is one I will never forget.

I first experienced clinical depression in my teens before the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and so my experience of antidepressants has been diverse and a times very unpleasant. I am thankful that I was eventually prescribed SSRIs as they are preferable to ECT (a.k.a. electric shock), of which I have personal experience. I would urge people not to be afraid of them if they are prescribed and needed. ECT is now used far less frequently, but it still has a part to play and can no longer be likened to scenes from the film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, where a general anaesthetic was not given.

We are all different, but I have found fulfilment in my life with the help of my family, my creativity, medication, CBT, exercise, daily medication and my beautiful grandchildren, who light up my world. You too can find fulfilment, so never be afraid to ask for help or lose sight of the strength you have within you.