Are you okay? Are you really okay?

It is interesting how many of us were brought up to not discuss 'mental health' or told to pull ourselves together, we had 'nothing to be depressed about'. Thank heavens this subject is no longer as taboo as it once was. I remember as a child, one of my aunts was described as suffering 'with her nerves'. As far as I am aware, nobody ever thought to suggest she needed some help, too shameful I suppose. A dearly beloved aunt had the courage to admit, to me at least, that she sometimes felt really down, and felt guilty as she had a good life, good health, no worries. I tried very hard to explain to her that this was not her fault, that she was no more responsible for her serotonin levels than a diabetic is for their insulin imbalances, but she still had this shame, and I suppose, fear.

I'm ashamed to say that when my brother was going through mental health problems, although I did try to help him, there were times when he tried my patience and I said 'For goodness sake sort yourself out' . How I regret that now. How the poor chap must have suffered. I could cry thinking about him still although it was a long time ago.

Mollybest1 that is the best advice sorry I cannot copy and paste it.

Unfortunately the cause of much depression is actually being deprived of trustworthy companions, for one reason or another. |The actual absence of others intimacy with whom makes you feel normal is a major cause of depression.

Thank you to everyone who has been brave enough to say they’re not okay and to those who have come alongside with encouraging words. ?

There are many reasons why we may not be struggling mentally, and the truth is sometimes we just don’t even know why we’re not okay. I do know that it helps enormously to feel we have permission to say how we’re really feeling when we’re down.