My name is Lucy and I have experienced depression for 8 years and anxiety causing me to be housebound for 10 months.
My mental illnesses have affected my life dramatically and led to voluntary hospitalisation when I was 17 and I’m currently housebound. These conditions have changed the course of my life and I now want to spend the rest of my life working to help others with mental illnesses to get treatment and feel supported. These conditions have put great strain on my relationship with my boyfriend and my relationships with family and relatives as many of them struggle to know how to behave around me and distance themselves because of this.
My greatest source of support has been my incredible boyfriend, mum, and a handful of friends who keep in touch with me no matter what and visit me and generally make me laugh and cheer me up. Without these few people in my life I’d be lost and would not be coping. Mental illness is really hard to deal with but it’s even worse if you’re alone.
My hope for the future is that mental illness will be viewed in the same way as physical illness and that we will no longer feel ashamed or judged and be able to talk freely and openly about our conditions and experiences. My biggest hope is that stigma will end!
I’m taking 5 on Time to Talk Day to talk about mental illness because we need to reduce stigma, tell our stories and increase understanding and awareness. I will be talking live on air to my local radio station, blogging and facebooking all day and answering any questions that get asked.
Why not take 5 minutes on the 5th of February and join me and hundreds of others to start a conversation about mental illness? It could just be the best thing you do and might lead to someone like me feeling heard and understood for the first time. It’s Time to Talk!
For more information on how to sign up and how to start your 5 minute conversation please see the websites below:
https://www.facebook.com/timetochange?fref=ts
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/talking-about-mental-health
In The Midst Of Madness 
Hi Lucy, as you’re looking to reduce stigma, I was wondering if you’d like to take part in an upcoming project I’m running.
Check it out and if it’s something you’re interested in, let me know 🙂
https://bylaurenhayley.wordpress.com/the-mental-health-art-auction/
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Hi Lauren,
I’d love to be involved so count me in and just let me know what I need to do and when!
Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂 xxx
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Great, Lucy! Would you be able to give me your email address please so I can send you updates? If you don’t feel comfortable writing it here, just drop me a quick email to xlaurensowterx@hotmail.co.uk. Thanks a lot and great to have you on board! 🙂 xx
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Dear Lucy, very good luck on ‘take 5 day’ especially for any radio participation you do today. Being able to talk is just 1 of your talents, however just imagine you are talking to your Mum or other special person in your life, that way anxiety will not get in the way and you will be able to say what we all need to hear. G and I wish you a good day as we do every day. Your courage is much appreciated by so many.
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Lucy I may not have my spelling right t am a care giver and reading this is inspiring
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Thank you so much! I’m so pleased to hear I’m reaching people and helping in some small way 🙂 xxx
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