Mental Health

I enjoy observing people, I like to witness human nature. I hope that I will see something amazing, an act of compassion or overcoming adversity. Recently there has been a large amount of behaviour that is shameful and I personally feel that shame. I do not understand why people complain or are offended by someone standing up for something that they believe in or deserve. Anyway this is not what I want to write about in this post.

Today, I want to focus on the way people can take a tragic event or experience and create something wonderful. On Saturday it was World Mental Health Day. Social media platforms were flooded with different information and resources to assist anyone and everyone who may be struggling.

Mental health has claimed so many lives, I know of several families that have suffered this unimaginable loss due to the mental health of a loved one. Grief does not have any rules and every single person handles their grief differently.

Sometimes, the family and friends come together in their grief and create something truly wonderful, to provide a focus and in tribute to the person they love. I know of a couple of examples locally. The one that stands out created a peer to peer support group which will have a presence on all social media platforms for people who are suffering with their mental health. In addition, it has become a non profit organisation that will create merchandise to raise funds for mental health charities. This group is called #Brocheck.

The #Brocheck admins made a beautiful compilation video to mark World Mental Health Day. It clearly shows that mental health does not discriminate, it does not care how successful you are, whether you have a family or not, whether you are homosexual, what colour your skin is or what your religious beliefs may be.

I hope that my children will be able to openly talk about how they feel, without the fear that they will be branded “crazy”. I want my children to feel comfortable in their own skin and with their life choices without looking over the shoulder all the time.

We all deserve that so let’s make it a reality. Let’s support each other and help each other to achieve our dreams. We need to stop making assumptions about what we see of other people’s lives.

One thing I have learnt whilst being a member of #Brocheck is not to underestimate the power of kindness. An act of kindness is very powerful and can pull someone back from the edge of despair. I have seen this in action several times on the group page. It is a remarkable tribute to an amazing person who was lost too soon. It is also testament to the difference that can be made just by asking for help.

There is a pressure now to be seen as perfect creatures without flaws. It is a lie. We all have flaws, we all have issues and these are what make us unique. Some flaws can be and should be tackled, some beliefs should be challenged. I know I am not perfect and I am yet to meet anyone who is.

I know and accept that my children are not perfect nor will they ever be perfect. They will make mistakes during their lives. They will experience pain but I hope that I can provide them both with the tools to overcome the pain.

I know how to equip my daughter, at least I believe I do. I have experienced many things growing up and I have faced criticisms and know what warning signs I need to be conscious of. I can answer her questions.

It is a particular concern with my son, the statistics I have seen in connection with male mental health are terrifying as a parent.

I am consciously trying to make sure that he talks about how he feels and what he has been doing. I am trying to avoid the stereotype of men need to be tough and strong. Hopefully time will change the stereotype and it will be normal for men to talk properly. That is the only way that the statistics will change.

I am trying to teach my children to be kind, caring individuals who will help others when they can. From the feedback that I have received I think I am succeeding in this goal. Both of my children try to ensure that they help their peers and teachers.

I hope that support groups such as #Brocheck will be available as a resource for my children when they are adults. It is a valuable asset filled with people who are willing to spend their time listening and helping other people in whatever way they can. The help comes in many forms including providing details for any additional support that may be needed.

In the short time that #Brocheck has been up and running they have amassed over 6,000 members. That figure speaks for itself. It provides proof and reassurance that none of us are alone, there is help available and advice if needed.

I recommend that everyone check it out for themselves. If nothing else, this organisation provides some much needed light that even during the hardest times of your life you can turn it on its head to create something amazing.