It's undeniable that the stigma surrounding mental ill-health has lifted somewhat in the UK in recent years. Young people, in particular, are more likely to share their experiences on social media than previous generations, and workplaces are increasingly accommodating of our requests for respite.
But we've got a long way to go before everyone feels comfortable enough sharing their stories in polite conversation. In many circles, it's still less acceptable to discuss depression than a slipped disc. Only when this changes will we have reached the holy grail: parity of esteem between mental and physical health.
That's why it's heartening to see mental health-related topics trending on Twitter, as #MyMentalHealthIn5Words has been today. The hashtag does what it says on the tin, inviting people to share the state of their own mental health in five words, and the responses reveal the whole gamut of human experience.
Some were brave enough to share their current struggles, with many revealing their coping mechanisms and admitting they're suffering more than they usually let on.
Just need one word: anxiety#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Oh Christmas T (@tlcprincess) December 18, 2017
Hiding the pain with kindness 💖 #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Justinnnnnnn🎅🏻 (@fivefortweeting) December 18, 2017
#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Matthew T. Miller (@mattttmillerrrr) December 18, 2017
Hello Darkness, my old friend
#MyMentalHealthIn5Words death jokes as coping mechanism
— mari christmas🎄 (@wthhowell) December 18, 2017
Constantly at war with myself #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Kel💚 (@Kella_Belle) December 18, 2017
Looking good while feeling bad #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Chilly 🐧 (@Chi11yPenguin) December 18, 2017
#MyMentalHealthIn5Words not wanting to wake up
— Isaac • 𝑀𝓊𝓁𝓉𝒾𝒻𝒶𝓃𝒹𝑜𝓂 (@illegalironman) December 18, 2017
Many people admitted needing or wanting professional help but suggested they were either too scared or lacked the knowledge of where to go. (If you're in a similar quandary, contact a charity like Mind or the Samaritans, and take some time to research the different types of therapy available.)
#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— SamAttemptsLife ❄️ (@SamAttemptsLife) December 18, 2017
I probably need professional help.
Scared to ask for help #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— ❄Yule Shoot Your Eye Out❄ (@CxryBxby) December 18, 2017
Some shared their tips for getting out of a bad patch or for maintaining a state of equilibrium.
Much improved since quitting Facebook. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Sally (@forglutenssake) December 18, 2017
Improved since I started therapy #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Jason 🤣💨 (@JasonSpellman) December 18, 2017
Suffers with too little sleep #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Hello Felicia the Xmas Grinch (@hellofelicia14) December 18, 2017
#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Schmoo📎 (@smilon713) December 18, 2017
The Twitteratti's kindness saved me.
Wish I'd got help sooner #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Bernadette South🌈🐕 (@BernadetteSout1) December 18, 2017
There were people who talked of coming out the other side and appeared to be in a good place.
#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Manda Posthumously (@ShutUpAmanda) December 18, 2017
I'm finally happy with myself
Finally making myself a priority 👍🏻 #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Vicky Jones (@VickyJones7) December 18, 2017
I’ve decided to see a doctor, finally. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Laz (@Laz91542485) December 18, 2017
And people revealed that, for them, mental health is a constant project, an ongoing work in progress. Many wanted to reassure others that it's completely normal to go through rough patches.
It's literally an ongoing process. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Victoria. (@VIKEEseeks) December 18, 2017
Pretty much a daily struggle.
— Aphax (@AphaxUrufu) December 18, 2017
#MyMentalHealthIn5Words
It’s ok to struggle sometimes. #MyMentalHealthIn5Words
— Beth Edwards (@bethedwardsuk) December 18, 2017
If you are struggling with your mental health and need support, please call Mind on 0300 123 3393.
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