#worldmentalhealthday2020
THREAD:
I& #39;ve suffered from depression since secondary school. I had my first panic attack before I& #39;d made my confirmation. I had my first nervous breakdown at the age of 16. I& #39;ve been to hell, got out and been back again more times than I care to
1/9
THREAD:
I& #39;ve suffered from depression since secondary school. I had my first panic attack before I& #39;d made my confirmation. I had my first nervous breakdown at the age of 16. I& #39;ve been to hell, got out and been back again more times than I care to
1/9
remember. I could be here writing until January and wouldn& #39;t be able to do justice to the absolute hell that depression, anxiety and panic attacks have wrought on me personally for at least two thirds of my life. I& #39;ve self harmed many times, had constant thoughts of suicide
2/9
2/9
and battled drink and gambling addiction. But I& #39;m somehow still here to tell the tale. Following 20 plus years of running away, four years ago I had a horrific breakdown. It destroyed me, I was done. The fear, sickness and hopelessness left me feeling like I only had one
3/9
3/9
option. Suicide. Thankfully something made me hold on. It was around that time I found Pieta House. Three times over the following years, for 14 weeks each time, I poured my heart and soul out to my counsellor. I talked about things I had never talk about. Scary feelings
4/9
4/9
that I had never before confronted. Demons that I had never dealt with. I used to often feel like vomiting after sessions. I didn& #39;t feel it at the time but slowly but surely I was getting better. Those 42 sessions with that counsellor saved my life. I think this demonstrates
5/9
5/9
the importance of talking. We hear it all the time "it& #39;s good to talk" but it literally is. I haven& #39;t drank in 18 years, haven& #39;t had a bet in 4 and a half years and I& #39;m slowly but surely getting there. There are days that my depression, anxiety and PTSD will have a go at me
6/9
6/9
and that& #39;s ok. The difference is I say it now when I& #39;m not feeling so good instead of trying to carry on and tell nobody or try to escape it. If you& #39;re feeling alone, anxious, depressed and need help I would plead with you to please talk to someone. There is always hope.
7/9
7/9
You might feel alone but you aren& #39;t. The best days of your life may be just around the corner and you are far too valuable to leave this world too soon. Please talk to a friend, family member or in confidence to a person at one of the numbers below. You will get through this
8/9
8/9
Pieta House: 01 6235606
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
The Samaritans: 116 123
9/9
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
The Samaritans: 116 123
9/9