A quick updated from Sam, the Primordial Radio Mental Health Champion
As I approach nearly 3 years since taking up the reins as Primordial’s Mental Health Champion, I thought it was a good time to pause and reflect on how far we have come.
No this isn’t about blowing smoke up my own arse but recognition of how much we have all been through in that time… and a chance to take stock and express gratitude to the team for putting mental health at the centre of their business and this community (and what a wonderful community it is!)
As Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close (and also looking back to Time to Talk Day in February) these moments help us to recognise the power of compassionate conversations, but also remind people that mental health stigma still exists. Of course, these awareness days are vital, but we want to have daily conversations about mental health, and we do. I think it is important to thank the team for being so open about their own mental health struggles and for encouraging conversations about mental health, including inspirational guest speakers on the podcast and within artist interviews.
When I first experienced poor mental health in my early 20s it was not only taboo, it was repressed and ignored.
If you talked about your story, there was something wrong with YOU. No one bothered to ask what happened to you… Those working in mental health had to be activists, they had to fight hard for recognition and parity with physical health and they continue to do so.
Today we’re in a slightly different place.
In the aftermath of multiple lockdowns, people are talking about mental health more and awareness days have revolutionised our mental health literacy.
There has been increased support from the public, but the stigma hasn’t gone away, and we must continue to take every opportunity for solidarity as there is still much work to be done.
I’ve been very open about my own lived experience over recent years but sometimes it is still hard to do – despite working in mental health. But I know that by sharing with you and others, we are breaking down the barriers. Every compassionate conversation is another positive step forward to the kind of world we want to live in and should not be underestimated. Please keep talking.
Visit our mental health hub for lots of information including how to spot the signs of poor mental health, how to support someone who is struggling and our talking tips.
If you are struggling, please remember you are NEVER alone.