comment by vidicthelegend VIVA LA REVOLUTION (U8735)
posted 48 minutes ago
Afternoon OP

I’m 28, and spent a lot of my early to mid 20’s suffering with my mental health. My father dying when I was 21 didn’t help, but wasn’t the underlying cause.

Anyway when I was about 25 I kind of said to myself ‘give it everything you’ve got’ as a sort of last ditch attempt to be contempt. I started running, and then turned to CrossFit and my entire life has changed. Granted things are by no means perfect but I’ve gone from a fat boring sod to a healthy person who trains a hell of a lot (almost obsessively) and has a wonderful group of friends that help a great deal.

I tried all sorts before this and the thing that’s helped the most is regular exercise, having a goal and finding something I greatly enjoy as an outlet. I’d recommend trying a similar thing to everyone as I can’t explain the difference being physically healthy does to your mental health.
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There is a lot to be said for exercising. It always improves my mood. Especially if I am able to do out in the countryside.

OP, good of you to raise this subject and open up

How do you know if you have mental health issues?

comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - Ole's joy Manticore (U2958)
posted 27 seconds ago
comment by Diafol Coch 77 (U2462)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by welshpoolfan (U7693)
posted 12 minutes ago
Tough topic to raise. Well done.

My other half also suffers from mental health issues (depression and anxiety mainly) and has an ongoing prescription for anti-depressants.

She uses exercise as an outlet and it has a noticeable effect (she went through a difficult patch when lockdown first came in and the gym closed). I do my best to encourage her to do activities that make her feel better and to be supportive. It can be difficult sometimes to understand how others are feeling, and sometimes I worry that I'm not very good at helping but you just keep trying
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Your last sentence rings so true. Sometimes it'd be easier if she'd be in a wheelchair or something with regards knowing what you need to do on a daily basis. You do keep trying though although I will admit to feeling, at times, that I could do without the bother. That soon goes to be replaced by feelings of guilt for even thinking that.
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I can't speak for everyone, but for me... Just having people around who are willing to put up with my bad spells is just amazing. I feel guilt for not being able to do certain things (like social events) or just not being able to communicate well etc... I also fully understand when she gets frustrated and needs a break from it all.

Just keep on supporting them, you are both doing great in your partners minds', i'm sure.
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Thanks. It is hard because you want to make sure they are happy and healthy and don't want them to save suffering.

I hope that you are doing OK. Lockdown has been particularly tough for some people.

comment by RJC (U17308)
posted 1 minute ago
How do you know if you have mental health issues?
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Good question,

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

I recommend this guy’s writing for anyone struggling with reaching out for help or who simply wants an insight through one very honest first hand account into what life can be like for ostensibly ‘normal’ lads suffering with depression.

https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Sad-Dysfunctional-Stephen-Gillatt-ebook/dp/B07TVLBPGQ

He’s an intelligent, likeable lad of a lad, married with two kids (and massive Liverpool fan, but nobody’s perfect) who struggled with addiction earlier in life and then with very serious post-natal depression.

The book is a brutally and unashamedly honest piece, aiming - as does the author’s work since - to help shine a light on the issue of male mental health, to normalise the discussion and to encourage people who need help to reach out.

comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - Ole's joy Manticore (U2958)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Diafol Coch 77 (U2462)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by welshpoolfan (U7693)
posted 12 minutes ago
Tough topic to raise. Well done.

My other half also suffers from mental health issues (depression and anxiety mainly) and has an ongoing prescription for anti-depressants.

She uses exercise as an outlet and it has a noticeable effect (she went through a difficult patch when lockdown first came in and the gym closed). I do my best to encourage her to do activities that make her feel better and to be supportive. It can be difficult sometimes to understand how others are feeling, and sometimes I worry that I'm not very good at helping but you just keep trying
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Your last sentence rings so true. Sometimes it'd be easier if she'd be in a wheelchair or something with regards knowing what you need to do on a daily basis. You do keep trying though although I will admit to feeling, at times, that I could do without the bother. That soon goes to be replaced by feelings of guilt for even thinking that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't speak for everyone, but for me... Just having people around who are willing to put up with my bad spells is just amazing. I feel guilt for not being able to do certain things (like social events) or just not being able to communicate well etc... I also fully understand when she gets frustrated and needs a break from it all.

Just keep on supporting them, you are both doing great in your partners minds', i'm sure.
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Cheers Ji. We can only try our best. I'm normally very patient but it does test me at times. You should never feel guilt for your situation though. You can't help it and it is what it is. You just make the best of things.

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 11 minutes ago
OP, good of you to raise this subject and open up
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Cheers Winston. It's not just for me really but perhaps it has helped of course!

comment by Diafol Coch 77 (U2462)
posted 3 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 11 minutes ago
OP, good of you to raise this subject and open up
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Cheers Winston. It's not just for me really but perhaps it has helped of course!
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I think the more it's talked about, the more it becomes normal and the more it encourages others to talk about it.

In some ways a place like this is ideal because people get to know each other but it's anonymous and arguably you can talk about things that you wouldn't at home. Initially anyway.

No worries Cal.

Don't mean to pry but I'm curious to know for my own knowledge, how does it manifest itself?
I have this notion that its an over-riding dark mood of self loathing.
Don't answer if you don't want.

I went through an awful year in 2019 where the stress of a job started showing itself as lots of odd physical symptoms which convinced me I had all sorts of illnesses. It’s crazy what the mind can do to the body.

I went to see a new doctor (had moved to a new area). She prescribed me anti anxiety pills within 5 minutes of meeting me which I refused as I’ve heard it can be a nightmare if you don’t stumble across the right kind straight away.

I managed to get myself better with time/seeing a therapist/ taking more time to relax. Exercise is the thing that helps me the most. It’s not the same for everyone but it lifts my mood and energy levels no end.

It was 100x more debilitating than any physical illness I’ve had, mental health help needs so much more funding.

comment by RJC (U17308)
posted 10 minutes ago
How do you know if you have mental health issues?
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For me, it was when i stopped taking drugs and still felt like i was tripping (but without any of the good effects). That trip has now lasted 25 years and 2 months.

comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - Ole's joy Manticore (U2958)

That trip has now lasted 25 years and 2 months.
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Now that's what I call value for money.

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Diafol Coch 77 (U2462)
posted 3 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 11 minutes ago
OP, good of you to raise this subject and open up
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Cheers Winston. It's not just for me really but perhaps it has helped of course!
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think the more it's talked about, the more it becomes normal and the more it encourages others to talk about it.

In some ways a place like this is ideal because people get to know each other but it's anonymous and arguably you can talk about things that you wouldn't at home. Initially anyway.
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Well said

Great idea OP

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by Diafol Coch 77 (U2462)
posted 3 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 11 minutes ago
OP, good of you to raise this subject and open up
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheers Winston. It's not just for me really but perhaps it has helped of course!
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think the more it's talked about, the more it becomes normal and the more it encourages others to talk about it.

In some ways a place like this is ideal because people get to know each other but it's anonymous and arguably you can talk about things that you wouldn't at home. Initially anyway.
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That's very true. There's no shame to feeling that you're not feeling up to things at times.

The anonymity does help and you'r right that I wouldn't share this info in front of strangers in the pub!

comment by Don Draper's dandruff (U20155)
posted 50 seconds ago
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - Ole's joy Manticore (U2958)

That trip has now lasted 25 years and 2 months.
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Now that's what I call value for money.

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Yea £5 microdot! Bargain

Though when you add in the years of problem drinking, private doctors etc, the price starts to add up

I take 200mg of Sertraline everyday. Have done for years. 😞

mental illness doesnt exist its a myth made up by women too get out off work like migraines or the period all a hoax

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Cheers mate, sounds awful.

The best thing for mental health is exercise and nature. If you can combine the two then you're sorted. That's what I am doing right now and 90% of time outside of work.

comment by Reddevilsdouble II (U22313)
posted 6 minutes ago
I take 200mg of Sertraline everyday. Have done for years. 😞
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We've perhaps not seen eye to eye on here much but I truly hope they work for you.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator