A Mental Health Ripple Effect

Recently, I started to have second thoughts about whether or not I should continue to write or talk about mental health online after a negative comment was made regarding the way I discussed a topic that was not only very close to my heart but also extremely important. I was gutted by the fact that something that I had put so much time and effort into could be perceived in such a negative way, especially when all I had wanted to do was educate others and help others understand some of the more complex sides of mental illness. After this happened, I started to become increasingly worried about what people might be thinking about me and my writing whenever I posted something online regarding mental health. Was I being judged negatively or positively? Was I sharing too much? Did I look like an 'attention seeker'? I thought about this for a while until I realised that the good things that come from being open and honest about mental health can outweigh the bad by far.

This leads me into what I like to call: The Mental Health Ripple Effect.

The very reason I plucked up the courage to talk about my mental health online was because I had seen someone else I knew also doing it. I had seen all of the posts, all of the positivity and honesty, but most importantly, I saw all of the responses. This was at a time when my own illnesses were first being diagnosed, and I was confused and ashamed. I remember constantly thinking, "how do I tell my friends about all of these crazy things that are going on in my life at the moment? How do I tell them about my disordered eating patterns without feeling embarrassed and ashamed, and how do I even begin to try and explain the continuous doctors appointments and the never ending trials of various anti-depressant medications?" For a very long time, I was ashamed and confused at my mental health problems, struggling to understand how all of this had happened to me.

However, seeing other people sharing their own stories with pride and without fear soon began to have an effect on me, and slowly but surely I was becoming less embarrassed of my problems. By December 2017, I too was sharing my story as I began to realise that there isn't anything to be ashamed about when it comes to mental illness, and by sharing my stories I could also help others who were perhaps feeling similar to myself to have the courage to talk about their mental health. Shortly after I started talking, I began to have so many positive responses from friends and family. Now, whenever I see people who are open and honest about their health, be it throughout life or on social media, it makes me realise how important talking openly is!

Given all of the negative reactions to some of the things I have said or written about, I am learning to put these comments and thoughts aside and focus on the positive things that I have done through sharing online. Because as I said previously - these by far outweigh the negative. Slowly, I am beginning to understand that although we way not realise it at the time, the words that we write and the stories we share hold the potential to inspire and empower another person to do the same. Then another. Then another. Thus creating a beautiful ripple effect that can change our society's views on mental health.

I hope that whoever reads this understands the point that I'm trying to make, and whilst no one should feel pressured or obligated to talk about their health if they do not want to, there is nothing to be ashamed of if you wish to do so - and the positive effects can be endless.