Changing the Conversation - Letters of Hope x SolveSquad
Sharing your story.
It’s one of the easiest, yet one of the hardest things to do, especially when confronted with the challenges of overcoming everyday obstacles on the journey of mental health. Yet a simple story can lead to a conversation of hope that can break the stigma and change a life.
Here are some such stories that are from everyday people who found a way to beat the odds:
“My first experience with mental health was when I was 19 years of age and experienced my first mental health diagnosis of depression.
I felt so lost.
I had no idea about mental health and what my options were…and of course, there is not a "one size fits all" approach, and we must work out what works best for each of us.
However, I would say the best approach to overcoming mental health is
Asking for help!
Understanding everything you can about the diagnosis of your mental health condition, and be open about exploring various pathways to heal
Find a relative sense of safety in your situation. Find your people. Seek out professionals to support you.
Take care of your basic needs first and foremost!”
- Bethany
For many, it can be a battle just to make ends meet.
“I was back home visiting family in 2011, when one of the large earthquakes hit Christchurch, New Zealand.
I was terrified. I felt helpless.
I never really thought anything more of it after the initial earthquake took place and came back to Australia. Eventually the trauma was controlling my life. Fast forward to 2017, I unfortunately was in another extremely traumatic situation. I was losing sleep. When I did sleep it was restless and full of nightmares. I was moody. My emotions and feelings would switch from angry to sad to confused and lonely. Parenting was difficult. Friendships were not stable….my life was a disaster.
My GP referred me to a psychologist, who to this day years later I still see frequently and plays a massive part into my healing journey, and truly saved my life.
Mental health matters.
Mental illness is real and it isn’t something you need to be ashamed of. What works for one person may not work for you. You have to find things to help you. A good support system with good communication really helps.”
- Anonymous
Yet, despite the hurdles that many have had to face, it is still possible to find a way through.
I have struggled with my mental health my whole life from when I was a young child, to later being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex PTSD in my late 20's.
I got to a really low point when I was 26 years old, where I just became so exhausted from the toll of trying to "manage" my mental well-being, that I didn't get out of bed for three weeks straight.
I knew I couldn't pull myself out of this hole I had created…I had reached a whole new level of depression, leaving me with what felt like only one option...taking myself over to the emergency department and being admitted into the psychiatric Ward.
The biggest lesson I have learned over the many years of battling with my mental health is to speak up!
I get the best support when I am brave enough to speak out on my struggles to not only close friends or family, but to a counsellor, psychologist, and even my GP too.
Building your support network is vital for the long-term maintenance of your mental well-being.”
- Paris
It is difficult to take the first step in sharing your story, but the amazing reality is that when you do, you may find that there are many people who, just like you, are going through the same struggle, and are able to encourage you to find hope in your situation.
At SolveSquad, we are encouraged by those who have been able to be a champion for those going through their mental health journey, especially by overcoming their own struggles and finding ways to advocate for others.
Through our partnership with Letters of Hope, founder Abbie Williams has been able to raise awareness and break the stigma around mental health through sending handwritten letters to those who are going through a tough time.
We are delighted to share some of these stories, as you have read above, from her community of supporters.
Please continue to join us on this journey of mental health as we, together, break the mental health stigma through our shared story.