Depression – Page 2 – We Love Puppies Too

Wayne’s career has taken him from the rugby field to working for the Black Dog Institute as a speaker and an educator

Eventually, at Black Dog Institute, I was diagnosed with melancholia which is a very severe type of depression and not always easy to diagnose. This correct diagnosis meant I was prescribed medication that gradually helped, but I also learned to be disciplined.

Later I began volunteering for Black Dog Institute doing presentations to community groups and schools about my own lived experience. Mainly I tried to explain that depression is an illness and once people realise that, they discover there’s a way out of it and that’s a huge relief. Giving back and sharing my story has really helped.

A lot of people think mental illness makes them weak, but that is so wrong. They’re the toughest people in the world.

“Please, don’t be quiet. Talk.” – Vinnie’s story

For Time to Talk Day, Vinnie tells us about his journey, from childhood up to the present day. After experiencing anxiety and depression for most of his life, creating art and volunteering with our charity gave him hope. He now works as a Mental Health Recovery Worker for Rethink Mental Illness, using his lived experience to support others in similar situations.

I completed a Fine Art degree at university. I didn’t care about doing anything with the degree, but it symbolised my recovery; how I found a positive way to manage my mental health. I went back to Rethink as a volunteer, to help run the art group.

Before long, I fell into another depression. I wanted to escape my troubles, so I got a job working in Kuwait and India. I remember thinking: I’ve just jumped out of the frying pan into the fire, what have I done? But I stuck it out and came back to the UK to continue volunteering.

I was happy creating art, helping others and keeping my brain distracted. I eventually applied for a Mental Health Recovery Worker role and have been supporting people for ten years now. I still have bad days, but I pick myself up by remembering where I’ve been and where I am now.

Surviving Suicidal Ideation and Finding Recovery

I was seven years old when I first struggled with suicidal ideation. Of course, back then I had no idea that’s what it was called. But that pain continued in the form of severe depression and anxiety throughout my childhood. I learned to mask my depression for many years, but I found it harder to mask the panic attacks I started dealing with in my late teen years.

Now, 20 years after first experiencing suicidal ideation, I have found recovery and my passion. I am a certified recreation therapist. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals and currently work as a case manager for more than 35 people. I see it as a privilege that each day, I get the opportunity to help others through their struggles with mental health.

During my mid-teens I lost interest in pretty much everything. I just thought I had turned into a lazy, moody, unpleasant teenager

I lived in relative silence and shame for many, many years. Too scared to open up and always worried about how others would perceive me.

I was first treated for depression and anxiety in my early 20’s, but it wasn’t until another 15 years later that I became more open and started to heal. It was good to know that I was feeling the way I did because of a medical reason. There was a reason, and there was hope.

In 2014 my family was spending Christmas in Mildura. We were walking to go out for dinner and my 6-year-old daughter stopped and asked “Dad, how long would it take to walk back home to Bannockburn?” I decided I would find her the answer by walking the 520kms myself. I did some planning and decided I wanted to raise money and awareness for mental health along the way.

After lots of research I decided to contact Black Dog Institute. I loved the work they did and knew I had to be part of it. They suggested I undergo some training and become a community presenter. We raised almost $15,000 along the way and always connected with the small communities we passed through and spoke about what we were doing and why. We started many conversations about mental health and On October 2, 2015 I was able to tell my daughter that it takes 13 days to walk from Mildura to Bannockburn.

Why I fundraise for Mind

Abby, from Llantrisant, explains why she decided to undertake a 22 mile challenge to join the fight for mental health.

I’ve suffered with mental health issues since my late teenage years, as I struggled with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder.

Following several years of bullying, I lacked self-esteem, worried about my appearance and weight, worried about dealing with daily activities and at times felt completely worthless.

Sharing our experiences, offering support to others, and helping raise vital funds for charities like Mind is really important to me and is what keeps me determined to fight on.

We decided to walk 22 miles in 2022 for Mind, leaving our office in Nantgarw, taking the Taff Trail to Cardiff Bay and returning. I’m so proud of everyone who took part, and even prouder of the amazing £2304 raised by us all!

From service user to staff member: Katie’s journey

As a teenager, Katie was detained in a psychiatric hospital and supported by an Advocate from Rethink Mental Illness. Two decades later, she is helping others in her role as Associate Director for Community Services, with the very charity which supported her.

I felt excited to be coming into a job role where I could help people affected by mental illness as I knew from my own experiences how difficult it is for people on their recovery journey. I was even happier that I was able to come to work for a charity who had helped me in one of the difficult points in my life.

“The best decision I’ve ever made” – Ben’s story

After experiencing a breakdown, Ben was put in contact with our Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service and hasn’t looked back since. After setting up his own support group and helping others through their struggles, Ben now works for Rethink Mental Illness and says that he has finally found purpose. Here’s his story.

As my confidence grew, I took a bank staff role with Rethink Mental Illness on the emotional support helpline as part of my recovery. Whilst working on the helpline, I was answering calls from people who were struggling with their mental health or feeling lonely and didn’t have anyone to talk to. I’d talk them through distraction techniques, signpost them to other places or just generally have a chat with them about how they were feeling. It was hard work but very rewarding.

In a Life of Darkness, I Found Light

My experience with clinical depression began at an early age. I believe many of my mental health challenges stemmed from underlying problems — including epilepsy and ADHD, as well as mental, emotional and physical abuse.

I have worked in the mental health field, in addiction recovery and corrections populations as psychotherapist, social worker and counselor. I also deliver motivational speeches, teach college classes and, in 2019, I self-published my book, “Take the High Road; A Must Read for Those with Disabilities and Addictions.”

I’ve always been prone to anxiety for as long as I can remember

At the end of high school, the overriding sense of helplessness that comes with depression became very real for me.

I found myself in a cycle of anxiety and depression because the familiarity of high school was gone, and a lot of my friends had moved away for study or work.

Through volunteering with the Black Dog Institute as a presenter, I’ve been able to share my story with many people.

Being a volunteer has given me a sense of purpose and community. I find the experience empowering and I feel like I’m making a difference. In my presentations, I am always conscious to emphasise two things: there is help available if you seek it, and no one is alone.

How walking thousands of miles is helping me and Mind

Hello, I’m James and I’m walking the coast of Britain for Mind! I set off on October 3rd, setting off from my home in North Wales to the coast at Caernarfon. I’ve kept the sea on my right for over 1400 miles, heading south along the edge of Wales and down onto the South West Coast Path…

I was excited again and driven with purpose. I believed in this walk, both as something that would be beneficial for myself and for Mind. Over 120 people have generously donated to Mind through my fundraiser, raising over £4760 so far.