Lecture on Mental Health Experiences and Contributions

Personal Experiences with Mental Health

• Speaker discusses personal highs and lows:
  • Highs: Feeling great, everything seems to be fine, positive outlook.
  • Lows: Depression, lack of motivation for daily tasks, poor eating and sleeping habits.

Involvement with Community and Mental Health Services

• Initial struggle to find help in the system unless hurting oneself or others.
• Personal journey led to a confidence boost.
• Engages with the community by coaching mental health service users once a week.
  • Emphasizes the importance of fun and health improvement among participants.

Personal and Professional Development

• Speaker has a shared background with individuals they work with, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
• Finds fulfillment in giving back to the community and serving as a role model.

Treatment and Stability

• Continues to receive treatment and expects to do so for several years.
• Achieved stability in treatment:
  • Two years without hospital visits, compared to frequent hospitalizations in previous years.
• Personal and professional life is improving as a result of stable mental health.

Mental Health Awareness

• Mental health varies greatly among individuals.
• Encourages not to feel ashamed of mental health issues.