When it comes to mental health many people still struggle to have the conversations. RU OK Day 2023 gives everyone the perfect opportunity to let someone know that you are here to hear.
RU OK Day gives everyone the opportunity to ask if you’re okay, listen to the answer, encourage someone struggling with mental health to take action, and to check in.
In my personal mental health journey people have sometimes been reluctant to ask if I was okay because they saw my disability as an obvious sign that I’m not okay. Even medical professionals dismiss my mental health and depression for far too long because ‘of course my cerebral palsy must make me depressed’.
It is important when working in the disability space to treat mental health and physical disability separately.
Anecdotal evidence does suggest that 1 in 2 people with a physical disability will experience mental health struggles in their lifetime but it is important to not make an assumption and never be afraid to ask are you okay?
The times in my life when people have respected my mental health journey and helped me get the support and treatment I need has actually made it easier to deal with the day to day challenges of living with a disability.
It was only when I was afraid of being weak and not willing to speak up that all areas of my life were impacted negatively by my mental health.
It is okay to say you’re not okay.
Dear Alec
Dear Alec, the ok gesture is a lifesaver for a deep sea diver;
And a lifeline for a mental health survivor.
Asking if you’re ok can close a mental wound;
Behind the smile that I assumed.
Dear Alec, ask me, listen to me, encourage me, check in with me.
Help me dive under the wave of anxiety.
Listening becomes the light that sheds the darkness of my mental parasite.
Encourage me to speak up and find my courage.
Dear Alec, I dream of being heroic;
Depression does not match my image of a stoic.
Show me how to conquer stigma and fear.
Let me know that you are here to hear.
Chris Van Ingen | 14 September 2023
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