Call to open up to help battle with depression
A YOUNG woman diagnosed with depression has urged others with the condition to open up about how they feel.
Gemma Welsh, 26, has made the appeal on World Health Day today, which this year focuses on the illness which is thought to affect around eight per cent of Glasgow’s population.
Gemma, of Kirkintilloch, first realised she had a problem as a teenager and has received help including counselling and taking medication. In her worst moments, she said, she was unable to get out of bed for days.
Gemma said: “My worst experience was when I was a student and at that time there were periods of a few days where I wouldn’t leave my room – I wouldn’t get up to eat, have a shower, I didn’t speak to anyone. I closed myself off. I wasn’t able to function or get out of the house. I also felt suicidal.”
After having ups and downs with her condition over the last decade, Gemma said one of the things that has helped her is talking to friends and family about how she feels.
She said: “Now I’m very aware if I’m saying no every time people ask me to go for a catch up. If I’m feeling tired and low and being a recluse I know I should talk to someone about it.
“When I was young I didn’t want to talk about it as I didn’t want to let people know I was different. That attitude is really harmful, not only for yourself but for everyone in general to think that’s a good way to deal with problems.”
The 26-year-old trade union rep’s call is being backed by See Me, the anti-stigma charity for Scotland.
Calum Irving, See Me director, said: “Mental health is part of everyone’s day to day life, it affects all of us, but there is still a stigma around it. This is, in part, caused by a lack of open conversations.
“No-one should ever be made to feel ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone that they are experiencing a difficult time with their mental health. It’s okay not to be okay.
“If you’re going through a tough time, speak to someone you trust about how you’re feeling and try and get help. And if you’re worried about someone else, just asking someone if they are okay and really listening can be a powerful thing.”
If you need help, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.