Today I am here to talk about three things: The 24 Hour UK Three Peaks Challenge, Depression and OCD.
I was the guest blogger for Mind recently where I talked about my own experiences with Depression and OCD as well as the reasons as to why I am taking part in UK Three Peaks Challenge for Mind this coming June. The feedback I got was lovely; albeit that certainly was not the purpose of the blog.
Talking about such things is never easy, but I guess it is a form of therapy in itself. One little blog can not change the stigma around mental health and nor can it inspire a nation. I just hope people can relate to it; like some of the fantastic blogs and articles I have read on mental health over the last few years.
I have applied to be apart of the 'OCD at School' Youth Advisory Panel of which I am very keen to be apart of. I began to struggle with OCD whilst at 6th Form and it is vitally important that we can help spread the message and raise awareness amongst the younger generations as I have seen first hand the ignorance and naivity there is amongst younger people in regards to mental health. I would urge anyone passionate in this issue to think about applying.
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| A message from the Peak District... |
My sponorship page is: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Milkwasabadchoice&isTeam=true
My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MattdoestheUKThreePeaksChallenge
My Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattWatson91
Well that is my begging done for the day. But seriously, it is going to an amazing cause. That is not me just saying it for the sake of it. Mind really does do a fanastic job in supporting people suffering with mental health problems; whether that be through helping find people treatment, offering information or simply being there to listen to someone in need. 50p, £1, £10; whatever you can afford. Please.
I will leave you with a video that you should all watch. It is made by the lovely Claire Wilkinson who is a local filmmaker and is currently putting together the already award-winning documentary 'Living With Me And My OCD' of which she has been working long and hard on for a while now and it is looking great (even if I am in it!) Claire suffers with OCD herself and is very keen on defeating the stigma surrounding the disorder. I have had the pleasure of meeting her on more than one occasion and after listening to her ideas I can guarantee that this documetary will be fantastic. You can follow Living With Me And My OCD on Twitter and Facebook, as well as visitng its own website.
Living With Me And My OCD trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thviahdlNp0
Thanks all again for reading. If anyone wants to read my blog for Mind you can find it below.
My blog:
http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/8483_walking_the_three_peaks_challenge_for_mind'I do like to walk. I have taken part in a couple of hikes for charity now and it is a great way to stay fit and raise money, this year for a cause that is very close to my own heart, Mind.
I cannot wait to get going. The Three Peaks is a challenge that I have wanted to do for a while and I cannot wait to see the lovely views of Snowdon, the rain around Ben Nevis and the darkness of Scafell Pike (head-torch required!) Not many know the reason why I am doing the challenge for Mind, as it is a personal one, but I finally want to open about it.
The previous two years have been an interesting one. Diagnosed with OCD at 19, after suffering with the disorder since 16, it all became too much. After finally opening up to my family and doctor, I received CBT and then later medication.
My OCD, at its peak was quite varied and I found it completely overwhelming. Repetition (words and actions), checking (taps, doors and appliances) and hygiene (washing and cleaning) were the three main types of compulsions I suffered from. My confidence and self-esteem were zapped. Having OCD I feel tired, frustrated and ultimately like a freak, when I shouldn't have. It took a while for the techniques from CBT to take effect as I was essentially re-training my brain, whilst the medication took the edge off of my anxiety.
Skip forwards two years and I have managed to cut the majority of my compulsions out. I still have my moments, but they are less frequent and anxiety-driven. However, last year something else happened; something that had been coming for a while. I was diagnosed with depression.
My doctor told me it is common that people with anxiety-disorders also suffer with depression. I began to feel very low and the feeling would not shift. It had been building its way up since the end of my second year at university. I was anxious, frustrated and riddled with negative thoughts and my opinion of myself was lower than ever, in regards to both appearance and character. It is, people tell me, a distorted view, one which has built over a long period of time and is hard to shift.
Going back to university in September did not help. The pressure pushed me over the edge - I felt destined to fail. After talking with university about my options, they were very good with me and offered support. Once again, as I still am now, I was put on medication and referred for CBT.
Being open about my illness has been something I have found difficult in the past, although when I did I found it really helped. I have always thought it was my own battle and that I had to deal with it by myself, but that is not true. CBT and medication continues, but slowly but surely, I am making forward strides. I still have bad spells and days when I feel like it is me against the world, but they are getting less frequent. Hopefully it will not be long until I feel myself again. It has been a long time coming.
Depression and anxiety can hit anyone, whatever their situation, and it can make you feel like your world has been turned upside down. Talking about it can be hard and can take time; I know that from personal experience. I have vowed to myself to be more open and this is a good starting point.
I am determined to raise as much money as possible for Mind through the Three Peaks Challenge and help raise awareness in any way I can. I have sought help and am hopefully on the road to recovery, but others are not so lucky and have no one to turn to.
Mind offers great support and information for sufferers and their families to access in times of need. It is a fantastic charity who need all the support they can get, so if you could give anything to help then please visit my Facebook page and sponsorship form.Thank you.
