A Personal Experience of Depression

“Depression sucked the life and soul out of me.”

This article shares Mandy’s personal experience of depression, suicidal thoughts and her road to recovery. Mandy has 30 years' experience as a registered mental health nurse and was working as an Executive Director in a London mental health NHS trust at the time. https://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2018/mar/01/director-mental-health-trust-suicidal-nhs?CMP=share_btn_tw.

It shows that depression does not discriminate, it can affect anyone at any time and it is important that people feel able and comfortable to speak about their mental health.

Mandy explains in the article that “stigma surrounding mental illness is alive and kicking. Initially I was slow to tell people as I felt too vulnerable. However, after I spoke so openly and publicly about my mental health I received nothing but support, love and kindness. I am not proud that I have mental health problems, but I am certainly not embarrassed about it.”

If you are struggling or would like to speak with someone who isn't a friend or family member - don’t let stigma stand in your way - you can contact your GP, you can speak with the Samaritans (available 24/7 365 days of the year just call: 116 123 or visit: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us).

If you would like to see a counsellor, you can find a qualified counsellor in your local area via the ‘find a counsellor’ page: https://www.nationalcounsellingsociety.org/find-counsellor/. and there is further information on the NHS Choices website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/counselling/.