[TW for discussion of mental health issues]
Where have I been for *checks blog* three weeks? Not on holiday, thatâs for sure! As it turns out, you canât just ignore mental health problems until they go away. In fact, thereâs a big chance theyâll get worse! I speak from experience.
I may talk big game about looking after yourself and getting help, but I was completely determined not to do that for myself. I thought I didnât need it; that my issues werenât serious enough; that it was all my fault; that I could fix it myself.
Around the time I stopped posting, I was in the middle of some particularly low points. In their wake, friends and family urged me to go to the doctorâs. I finally relented, and booked an appointment.
The appointment was yesterday. It went really well.
Iâm being referred for therapy, Iâm starting medication, and I have some reading materials and exercises to do in the meantime. It will get better; I will get better!
But neither it or I wonât get better straight away. Thatâs why Iâm taking another three weeks off, at least. My writing isnât at its best right now, and I need to take the time to look after myself properly if I ever want it to be again. Iâm really sorry for doing this, and for disappearing in the first place. Iâll keep you updated from now on.
Also, if youâre in the same boat as me, donât sink. Please go to the doctor if you can, and seek actual medical help. If you canât, try accessing charities which provide services to help you, use online materials for mental health, or find someone who can be your confidante and ask them for help.
And YOU, anxiety-ridden person who is thinking, âoh, but my issues arenât bad enoughâ. Go to a doctor already. Youâre not qualified to be the judge of that, especially since youâve got a little voice in your head, one thatâs even less qualified, trying to do the judgement for you. Get help. You need it too, trust me.