have you personally been affected by mental health in the past?

Question: have you personally been affected by mental health in the past?
- Keywords:
  mental health
Asked by anon-216547 to Robert, Olly, Nicola, Jasmin, Dennis, Caroline on 10 Jun 2019.
- Robert Dempsey answered on 10 Jun 2019:
  
  Personally, no, but my friends and family have had various experiences of mental health-related issues. Like anyone, I’ve had ups and downs in terms of my general mental health but this hasn’t been severe. I think it’s important to bear in mind that it is normal to have some variability/changes in our mental health just like with our physical health.
- Jasmin Moon answered on 10 Jun 2019:
  
  Yes, I have anxiety which can sometimes flare up but I seem to have it under control at the moment thankfully. I think it’s important to be honest about this as even psychologists and people working in mental health aren’t immune to mental health problems! In fact, I feel I have a better understanding of how the people I support are feeling because of it, which means I can show empathy and build up a better professional relationship with them.
- Dennis Relojo-Howell answered on 10 Jun 2019:
  
  Yes. Sadly, I am not yet prepared to talk about it in public.
- Oliver Clabburn answered on 10 Jun 2019:
  
  Yes, I have had depression in the past and this sometimes comes back. Like Jasmin said, it’s sometimes quite useful (in weird way) as it helps to understand what other people are going through. If you, or someone you know has been affected by mental health issues, it can be really useful to think about triggers. For me, not wanting to socialise and do exercise is an indicator that something isn’t right.
- Caroline Brett answered on 10 Jun 2019:
  
  Yes, I have experienced depression in the past, and regularly feel anxious. Like others, I have found that this has really helped with speaking to students about their experiences as I can relate to what they’re going through, and understand not only how they are feeling but also why they are feeling that way. It is important, I think, to be open and hones about mental health – while also respecting that some people might not be in a position to speak about it. I tend to be quite pragmatic about it – if someone wants to talk about it, I’ll listen, but if they don’t, I’ll move on!
- Nicola Johnstone answered on 12 Jun 2019:
  
  Yes. Myself, my friends and my family. Some have been very, very unwell and it’s frightening. Most find ways to cope, some are still figuring it out.

Question: have you personally been affected by mental health in the past?

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