Monday 15 October 2018

World Mental Health and Coming Out Day

While I was away, it was World Mental Health Day and Coming Out Day (a day apart, if I'm to believe the posts on FB - October 10 & 11). By coincidence I came across this song, so thought I'd share. I don’t know how you get it to the young people that are struggling to come out but figuring sharing here is a start... If anyone saw Hannah Gadsby's Nanette, you’ll know the lifelong damage of shame* and given the hate that our PM is pouring out at the moment under the guise of religious freedom, we need to be more mindful of the damaging minority stress that we are causing in the media at the moment.


*remember folks, shame is a negative emotion given to you by others, and we should never carry baggage we haven’t packed ourselves. (idea stolen from the brilliant Augusten Burroughs in This is How)


And there's a brilliant campaign on Men's Mental Health at the moment, but I think it applies to everyone looking for support. One thing I've learnt in the last few years is that support comes from unexpected places. When I was having a tough time a few years ago, the people who rallied around were not people that I considered close friends at the time, however they are now. The people that rallied around became my pillars of non judgemental support, and I realised I could turn to them and say whatever I needed to express. I truly believe there is ALWAYS someone ready to lend an ear. Just remember to do the same for others when you can. Together we can make life easier for everyone.

 From Kaged Lions:


Have a great week, and if you aren't, let someone know.
Linking with #Blogtober

16 comments:

  1. I am a speaker with Beyondblue and have done a few talks around metal health day. It is so important to not only be aware of what is happening around you but also with yourself and who you choose to spend you time & energy with. Support is vital. We are not meant to do this alone

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  2. That song is brilliant! I missed Coming Out Day but was aware of Mental Health Day. It's so important to start the conversation and be there for each other.

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  3. Ah Lydia, you have made a difference in my life, by your recommendation of Austen Burroughs and How. What a man, what a life. I listen in small doses but it is so worthwhile. And I have watched Hannah twice. Very moving.

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    1. I'm glad you liked This is How. It's an odd book but it really made me make the most of my last months with my dad, but I wonder if people just find it odd. As for Nanette, I'm not sure I could watch it a second time. I really felt ashamed that I'm part of a society that does that to people, and worse, with my hetero-normative world view, that I could be so oblivious to it. I'm much more the cheery lesson-giving song above, but I needed the didactic Nanette to push me into awareness.

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  4. Thanks for sharing this song, I hadn't come across it in my travels. It's great!

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  5. Great share, very important topics that will always need talking about #TwinklyTuesday

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  6. Thank you for sharing. I will actually be posting about Movember next month which is a campaign about Men's Health.

    #KCACOLS

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    1. My Doctor did Movember every year and raised a lot of money but I hated seeing him in that month. It was very hard to take him seriously. He looked really bad!!! Ha!

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  7. What an amazing song with such a wonderful vibe, I loved it!
    Mainy
    #KCACOLS

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  8. I love your comment about shame being a negative emotion. The same goes for 'disappointed'. Both words/emotions should be banned! #kcacols

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  9. Society needs to be more tolerant and supportive. There is so much suffering and an awful stigma attached to mental health. Thansk for linking up with #stayclassymama and raising awareness fo this important issue

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  10. Such an important message and initiative. It's so important to have a few people in our lives who we can turn to when the need is upon us :)

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  11. What a great thing to share for these two days. Thanks for linking it up to #kcacols and hope to see you again next time.

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  12. A great post to raise awareness, thank you for linking up to #KCACOLS and we do hope you come back again next time.

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  13. It is so important to talk about mental health and support. Having someone to talk to and lean on is important

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