When I went back to work after my first depressive episode I decided I wanted to educate colleagues on what happened to me – so I started telling my story in open sessions – I soon realised that I was never the only one in the room with a story to tell – and people often opened up during these sessions or approached me afterwards with their own stories. 

I found these talks cathartic. They helped me come to terms with my experiences, but they also gave me a sense of purpose and a feeling that I was doing a good thing. I was helping to break the stigma that unfortunately still surrounds mental illness today.

Since my first breakdown in 2008, I have had at least seven further depressive episodes (I have lost count!).  I also have bad days, just like everyone else. Unfortunately, my bad days can be very dark, and on the worst days, I find myself feeling as bad as I ever did when I was in a depressive episode.

But these days don’t scare me anymore. The biggest magic trick I discovered on my road to recovery was ‘Acceptance’. I accept that I will get these bad days, I accept that I will feel rubbish, and I accept that I will probably think about ways to end it all. BUT, I also know that they are just bad days and tomorrow, or the day after I will feel better. I also know that if these bad days do develop into longer-term depressive episodes I have recovered before and I will again.

I have developed coping strategies that mean I was still able to function effectively during by bad days or depressive episodes. 

Routine helps, Fixed points in the day around which all my other activities fit. My routines are not inflexible, but they do give me touchpoints throughout the day where I take time out and relax.

I love swimming, I go at least twice a week, and I find that my mind becomes focussed on my movement through the water. All other thoughts drift away – I find my calm.

On most days that I don’t swim, I will take a walk down to the beach. I read and I play silly games on my phone and I really enjoy a nice long bath on a Sunday evening which helps set me up for the week to come.

I have found what works for me and made time to do it. 

I am not the same person I was before my breakdown, in many ways, I am much stronger. I know I am vulnerable to depressive episodes, but if I maintain my coping mechanisms, and take comfort in the support I have around me then not only will I survive, I will THRIVE.

And that is my message for this Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental illness should not be a barrier to generally thriving at work or in life. 

Many successful people thrive despite experiencing mental illness. It takes support, it takes understanding, and it takes courage sometimes. But it can and does happen.  Indeed some of my own career highlights have been achieved when I have been in the middle of a depressive episode.  It happens more often than you might imagine.

I have told my story to audiences of between 10 and 150 people across many industries. If you want to know more about the services we offer please contact me at gleridgway@workplacewellbeingacademy.com