Stress, Depression and Mental Health

Hello and welcome to my blog.

The reason for creating a blog on this theme is to offer support and understanding to those people who are suffering in silence due to the effects of stress and depression.

Having experienced the effects of stress and depression, which ultimately led to having to give up my job as a teacher, I now realise how little understanding, sympathy and support exists for people suffering from mental illness. Indeed the terms mental health or mental illness leads to stigma and stereo typical images.

I would like to create a community where people can share their concerns and offer support to one another, by recommending courses of action which they or fellow sufferers have found to be beneficial.

In terms of being away from your job or having to give up your job, there is the initial feelings of guilt and humiliation to deal with. Then of course, when you are feeling at your lowest, there is the added burden of financial pressure due to loss of income. We have all heard of the case where a famous high street bank refused to honour an income protection policy, in relation to the mortgage of a mental health patient. There is also the loss of dignity when you have to go cap in hand to your local job centre, to seek finnacial support.

More and more people are experiencing stress and depression due to increased pressure at work or in the home, as we fail to get the right balance in our lives.

There is a distinct lack of understanding by employers and members of the community with regards to stress, depression and mental health issues.

Hopefully this site will provide a refuge, where fellow sufferers can share their experiences and knowledge in the form of a support network.

The eventual goal being to take steps towards recovery and live a healthier and more fulfilling way of life.

I look forward to welcoming you to this community and hearing all about your experiences and words of advice and encouragement.