As we are coming to end of Mental Health Awareness week, I hope you will indulge me, as I Ramble a bit about Mental Health and why it is so important.

People who have come to this blog in the past, will know that I have Depression. I was diagnosed back in 2012, I think I knew I was depressed and had been for a while or had had episodes of depression in the past.

I try to make these post a start of a conversation on mental health, because being open and honest about it is how we reduce the stigma surrounding it. My depression, on bad days, often manifests itself as suicidal thoughts and feelings of frustration and general sense of despondency and helplessness. I don’t plan for a future because I don’t see much of a future for myself. I’m also generally more irritable and quicker to anger.

I think having Asperger’s Syndrome complicates things as well, I don’t particularly enjoy the standard night out and that can be isolating, of course we all know there are links between social isolation, loneliness and depression.

Too many loved ones are lost to suicide and mental illness, it is one of the biggest challenges faced by society today and we shouldn’t be quiet about it, theres no shame in admitting not everything is OK, so if you need to talk to someone please do.

Opening up about mental health can be incredibly helpful, like a weight off your shoulders, so if you think you might need help, don’t be afraid to ask, there are so many people out there willing to help. Here’s a link to the NHS guide to accessing mental health services. There also Samaritans and CALM.