The problems with mental health

[Blue60]

Very intelligent post.
I believe that everyone suffers with mental health in some way, in some area of ​​life at least, but many people refuse to seek help or admit it.
Admitting that you are not well is already a big step and you need to have the courage to recognize that something is consuming you in a way that has caused you harm.
I partially agree when I said that nothing will ever be the same again, but I don't see it as a bad thing, this can be wonderful, it can only be bad if you don't look for a better version of yourself, nothing stays the same in this life, we just have to look around and notice that everything around changes, the sea tide for example has high and low days, the 4 seasons, it's like that with nature and it will be like that with us.
If you think you are going to have treatment and this treatment is limited to going to a psychologist, having a diagnosis, having therapeutic guidance and eventually using medication and stopping symptoms? No, unfortunately that's not what therapy is.
Did it catch fire? This will put out the fire, but rebuilding the wiring will depend on you.

So the person can say like this:

"There is! But I just want to go back to how I was before “…

But that's not the intention of therapy, therapy won't make you go back to the way you were before. THERAPY WILL HELP YOU build a new person who will not accumulate so much mental trash that triggered this illness.

It's totally different, and this is an active process, therapy can help you, but you will have to allow yourself to do so.

Remember, the goal is not to return to the past, but rather to blossom into a new version of yourself. More resilient, fully aware.

very good advice . it's not returning to what you were before but building and adapting into the future. I think that the medical profession are waaaaaay behind in understanding mental illness and how to treat it .

[Thoreau]

Very intelligent post.
I believe that everyone suffers with mental health in some way, in some area of ​​life at least, but many people refuse to seek help or admit it.
Admitting that you are not well is already a big step and you need to have the courage to recognize that something is consuming you in a way that has caused you harm.
I partially agree when I said that nothing will ever be the same again, but I don't see it as a bad thing, this can be wonderful, it can only be bad if you don't look for a better version of yourself, nothing stays the same in this life, we just have to look around and notice that everything around changes, the sea tide for example has high and low days, the 4 seasons, it's like that with nature and it will be like that with us.
If you think you are going to have treatment and this treatment is limited to going to a psychologist, having a diagnosis, having therapeutic guidance and eventually using medication and stopping symptoms? No, unfortunately that's not what therapy is.
Did it catch fire? This will put out the fire, but rebuilding the wiring will depend on you.

So the person can say like this:

"There is! But I just want to go back to how I was before “…

But that's not the intention of therapy, therapy won't make you go back to the way you were before. THERAPY WILL HELP YOU build a new person who will not accumulate so much mental trash that triggered this illness.

It's totally different, and this is an active process, therapy can help you, but you will have to allow yourself to do so.

Remember, the goal is not to return to the past, but rather to blossom into a new version of yourself. More resilient, fully aware.

This insightful/wonderful/sensitive/thoughtful/helpful reply to the "very interesting" original thread has to be recognised and slightly elaborated on different levels, but it has to be stated from the outset that I found Alice's input most enlightening - she has without doubt put enormous effort/consideration, either from personal experience for one so young or is just naturally mindful of people around her, with her valuable contribution here to help others understand any mental health issues concerning most of the population!!!

In replying to this, I have as a pensioner, in a different lifetime experienced the worst effects of mental health now commonly referred to as "severe depression" and eventually sought help, which in the end is why I'm writing this!!! Therapy normally resolves back to "childhood" in a lot of cases (for me anyway) and as Alice strongly suggests, therapy helps to resolve issues to become the new you and blossom into a new person. I love the relationship mentioned by her on the "tides" of life, as we are constantly changing, depending on circumstances and with the perspective offered by Alice, we can overcome most of the daily "battles" within ourselves. I cannot recommend the simplistic viewpoint offered by Alice highly enough - beauty and brains beyond compare and next time she is in Cork, I shall be booking a "Theraputic session" if nothing else - ha ha!!!

[Benny123]

Thank you. But no. I have been informed on numerous occasions by those that have been here a long time, that this is in fact the best thing I have ever written:

https://www.escort-ireland.com/board...ras-Luimni-etc

Just for reference sake - don't be going posting on a 9 year old thread

Wait... why did I post this in the lounge? Only just realising that now.....

*scratches head*

Hmm. Perhaps I need to scale down on the old catnip.

Has LDM from 9 years ago changed much from the LDM of 2024

[MrGold]

Sad thing about todays reality is that mental health is often over looked, most people just dont realise how much someone they love, friends, family etc. Is experiencing it. Mental health does affect everyone, of all ages. The best step forward is acknowledging something needs to change.
We should never settle for anything less than what we deserve and everyone deserves much love, happiness and acceptence but its through our conditioning or trauma we subconciously believe otherwise.

Its important to remember nobody is "broken" we just live in a broken world with a messed up system and sometimes finding our way can feel we have so much against us. I have worked with a lot of people struggling with mental health, its can be heartbreaking to see.

We all suffer with it in one way or another. I try my best to listen, talk and check in with people in my life because sometimes it can help them know theyre remembered and cared for which is why its so important.
Nothing ever stays the same. Its ok to not be ok and our struggles do not define who we are. Taking care of your mind, body and soul is self love.

[Averageatbest93]

Mental health is a hugely broad ranged topic , and in recent years it's become increasingly difficult to categorize, we've gone from one extreme where 10-15 years ago when you heard 'mental health problems' the initial response was extremely stigmatized as people associated it with extreme conditions - schizophrenia , depression, suicidal tendencies , bi-polar etc , where as now it's gone to the other spectrum where basically everyone thinks they have at least some form of mental health issue if they are just feeling a little down , or sad , or bad about themselves etc

It's become more common place as a result which is good in one respect as people are now talking about it much more which is great , but it also sometimes takes away the actually severity of the issues some people are facing as a result as now it's seen as just something nearly everyone has to some degree.

I come from a counselling background and had my own practice for a short period of time , I also volunteered for Samaritans suicide phone line for a few years and have a lot of experience in dealing with people with real struggles , I wouldn't agree with the OPs point on the 'are you ok?' question. Yes if you can tell someone is clearly in distress it might seem a bit pointless , but you'd be surprised at the effect that question can have on people.

I've had people immediately break down the second I asked them that, sometimes all people need is to feel like someone cares enough to ask and it often opens the floodgates to allow them to express their feelings. Yes some people will need more encouragement to open up , but it's a good entry point.

The most important thing is to talk about it , a lot of people don't have someone they can open up to and that's all a lot of people need sometime , a ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.

It's a bit different with people who are victims of abuse , either mental or physical, but a lot of traumas can be mended. Some will always remain to some degree depending on the severity and stay with people their whole loves but there are useful tools and ways to deal with almost anything that can at least help reduce the burden these people feel, if things are feeling hopeless and you feel like there's no solutions , honestly there is , just reach out to someone. If it's a professional so be it.

I've helped a few ladies on here deal with various traumas, and my DMs are always open for anyone who ever needs a bit of friendly help , whether that's a provider or pundit anyone can feel free to reach out , I genuinely care about people. A few kind hearted ladies here were hugely helpful in me being able to get over my own personal difficulties the last few years and really had a positive impact on my life , you might not think this is the place to find genuine caring people , but you'd be pleasantly surprised if you gave it a chance.

[Waltzingmatilda]

Men, especially Irish men, we don’t like admitting we have mental health issues because our parents would verbally, or physically,. beat the shite out of us.

But yeah OP there is a massive issue with men’s mental health in Ireland.
I have dysthymia ( mild but persistent depression) and anxiety since I was in my late teens. It’s an Irish thing- keep emotions to yourself at all cost.

I’m okay but would obviously love to be better. If you wanna vent DM me.

[Launcelot]

Mental health is a hugely broad ranged topic , and in recent years it's become increasingly difficult to categorize, we've gone from one extreme where 10-15 years ago when you heard 'mental health problems' the initial response was extremely stigmatized as people associated it with extreme conditions - schizophrenia , depression, suicidal tendencies , bi-polar etc , where as now it's gone to the other spectrum where basically everyone thinks they have at least some form of mental health issue if they are just feeling a little down , or sad , or bad about themselves etc

It's become more common place as a result which is good in one respect as people are now talking about it much more which is great , but it also sometimes takes away the actually severity of the issues some people are facing as a result as now it's seen as just something nearly everyone has to some degree.

I come from a counselling background and had my own practice for a short period of time , I also volunteered for Samaritans suicide phone line for a few years and have a lot of experience in dealing with people with real struggles , I wouldn't agree with the OPs point on the 'are you ok?' question. Yes if you can tell someone is clearly in distress it might seem a bit pointless , but you'd be surprised at the effect that question can have on people.

I've had people immediately break down the second I asked them that, sometimes all people need is to feel like someone cares enough to ask and it often opens the floodgates to allow them to express their feelings. Yes some people will need more encouragement to open up , but it's a good entry point.

The most important thing is to talk about it , a lot of people don't have someone they can open up to and that's all a lot of people need sometime , a ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.

It's a bit different with people who are victims of abuse , either mental or physical, but a lot of traumas can be mended. Some will always remain to some degree depending on the severity and stay with people their whole loves but there are useful tools and ways to deal with almost anything that can at least help reduce the burden these people feel, if things are feeling hopeless and you feel like there's no solutions , honestly there is , just reach out to someone. If it's a professional so be it.

I've helped a few ladies on here deal with various traumas, and my DMs are always open for anyone who ever needs a bit of friendly help , whether that's a provider or pundit anyone can feel free to reach out , I genuinely care about people. A few kind hearted ladies here were hugely helpful in me being able to get over my own personal difficulties the last few years and really had a positive impact on my life , you might not think this is the place to find genuine caring people , but you'd be pleasantly surprised if you gave it a chance.

Well put.

One of the best threads to discuss the whole issue. Great responses by Alice etc. a truly enlightened being.

Unless we fix ourselves first how can we truly deal with other existential threats like war, climate change etc. Not all people with “mental issues” are “low performers”… how many leaders have NPD etc and create toxic environments.

I think when you scratch the surface with practically anyone you will find everyone has issues be it stress, depression, personality disorder, trauma, neurodiversity which all impacts on their mental and physical well being and has a major effect on their personal happiness, productivity, well being, relationships etc.

I am sure everyone knows someone who is suffering and while some may self medicate with alcohol etc, as coping strategies, the fortunate few seek help and take proactive steps to become better versions of themselves rather than ignore and struggle or put a band-aid on their pain.

It’s a pity we don’t regard mental well-being as important as things like Covid etc.

[Dieve]

[Moocher]

Woahh ...... scary stuff Dieve !

Hope you never feel like that honey.

[StevB]

I think this can be very accurate :-