I could not have been any lower
Mental Health Awareness Week is from May 10 to 16 and the borough counciland councillors, are offering support
TWO Charnwood borough councillors have shared their experience of mental health to help mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
Cllrs Robin Popley and Ted Parton have both struggled with mental health issues in the past and say they wanted to talk about what they had been through to encourage others to do the same and seek help if they need it.
Cllr Parton’s experiences were one reason why he became a councillor as he says helping other people has given him a positive focus.
The councillors have taken part in a video that can be watched on YouTube.
Cllr Popley said: “I have struggled with mental health issues since a very young age and as the council’s Disabilities Champion I want to use my experience to highlight the importance of talking about problems and encourage people to get help and support.
“Many, many people struggle with their mental health so I would like to say to them, you are not alone.
“If you are struggling with your mental health, please talk to someone – a friend, family member or a health professional. Do not bottle it up.
“I am pleased to take part in this video and as the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is nature we thought it was a great idea to film this at the Outwoods. Getting some fresh air and exercise can be really beneficial to your mental health.”
Cllr Ted Parton has battled with mental health issues for 20 years and has twice had to stay in psychiatric units.
Cllr Parton said: “Many years ago I had to make a choice between ending my life or starting the long and difficult road of recovery. I could not have been any lower.
“Fortunately, I chose recovery. I sought help and started taking medication, which I still take today. I found a job, in fact I had three at one point, and I started to exercise more and kept busy.
“What also helped me was having a clear purpose, which was one of the reasons I became a councillor. Being in a position of responsibility to help other people really helped me through some difficult times and I find it really helps my mental health today, knowing I am contributing and doing some good for the community and residents.
“I am happy to share my story for Mental Health Awareness Week and I strongly encourage people to get help if they need it.”
Mental Health Awareness Week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and is in its 21st year. It runs May 10-16.
This year, the theme for the week is ‘Nature’. Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community in a range of digital and creative ways.
Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and our research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature in some way and its power in both prevention of and recovery from poor mental health.”
“Fortunately, I chose recovery. I sought help and started taking medication, which I still take today
Cllr Parton