POPPY JAMAN

41, CEO, MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

‘There was no word for depression in my community ’ ‘The morning I found myself sobbing on my kitchen floor, surrounded by the contents of a pint of semi-skimmed, I knew something was seriously wrong.

I’m a third-generation British-Bangladeshi Muslim and I grew up in a deprived part of Portsmouth. At Mental Health First Aid, we talk about people’s stress reserves being linked to the stability of their upbringing. I know now that my exposure to racism and poverty left me more vulnerable to developing a mental illness.

Before having my first daughter at 20, I’d always seen myself as a positive person. In a routine appointment with my health visitor, she interrupted my questions about my daughter’s wellbeing with one of her own: ‘Poppy, she’s fine – but are you okay?’ I broke down in tears and within the hour a doctor was explaining depression to me; prescribing antidepressants and referring me to a therapist.

Though I was relieved my dark filter on life had a name, recovery was hard. There was no word for depression in my community – only an understanding of madness

– and there was no Bengali medical literature to help.

My family was confused and worried I’d end up psychotic.

Two decades on, I’ve learned that knowing your triggers and asking for help are two examples of strength. So, on MHFA courses, we train people to spot the early warning signs of mental illness and start those key conversations.

When I spot mine – no appetite; avoiding friends

– I book myself in for six therapy sessions. We don’t just experience mental health when we have crippling episodes of mental illness.

It’s there all the time and everyone deserves access to the tools that can help them to maintain theirs.’ Mental Health First Aid; mhfaengland.org