Here’s My Story: "Mental health is health! - But not everyone sees it that way...Change in attitudes is needed." - Mr. R
I’ve suffered from severe depression for over 30 years. Some years are better than others. For most of my career, I was an insurance executive who outperformed year over year. In fact, 2018 was my best year from a career standpoint, but one of the worst in terms of my mental health. My depression was taking over my life.
In early 2019, I discussed my health issues with a close HR business associate at work. I told her I wanted to request an unpaid leave of absence from my boss. My friend didn’t think my boss would understand the request, and I was actually told it might be bad for my career.
Later that year, I was laid off. Given my frame of mind, I decided to delay the job search until early 2020. Little did I know that an unprecedented pandemic would hit and companies would freeze hiring. As we approached the summer, I was so depleted, my therapist called the local sheriff to check on me.
Through therapy, medication, exercise and my daily routines, I have recovered. I’ve gone from being unable to get out of bed to running my own business. It’s hard work but so is depression.
I’ve seen how far reaching the impact of mental health can be – it impacts the person, family and community. I’ve experienced it firsthand. We desperately need to change how we think and act on mental health issues. Mental health is health. It shouldn’t take 30-60 days to see a therapist. Can you imagine waiting 60 days following a heart attack to see your doctor? It shouldn’t be frowned upon in the workplace. Would you frown upon someone with cancer? Our family members deserve better resources as caregivers. They need support as well.
May is mental health awareness month. We should double down on efforts to wipe out the stigma that keeps people suffering from mental illness from seeking treatment and caregivers from accessing support resources.
NOTE from Dodie: Thanks to Mr. R for contributing his personal story for our May Mental Health Minute. Our theme for May MH Awareness month is "Be the Change." I look forward to the day when we do not have to tell stories and people can go to their boss and fearlessly say - "I need a mental health day." Together we can be the change.
Submitted by Dodie Melvin
Exec. Director National Alliance on Mental Illness Knox Licking County
740-397-3088
namiklcohio@embarqmail.com
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