With over 25 years of extensive experience in the corporate world, I have faced my fair share of challenges and obstacles. But for me, mental health has always been the one issue that has intertwined my personal and professional life.
Mental health is seen by many as a delicate subject, even a taboo in some cultures. As a society, we still shy away from discussing it – thinking of it as a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of. But truthfully, mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more. It deeply affects the way we think, feel, and behave in our daily lives. Although we have become more open to discussions around mental health in recent years, too many people still suffer in silence.
That’s why I have decided to use my platform to share my story, in the hope that it will help and inspire other people who are struggling with their mental health.
On August 28, 1999, I was involved in a serious road traffic accident where my dreams were taken from me, and my life was rewritten.
Driving home from a wedding, my wheel hit the curb, and the car flipped onto its side. I was thrown out of the driver’s window and dragged along the floor for a couple of hundred yards before the car finished sliding, leaning on top of me. When the emergency services arrived, they initially thought I was dead. I suffered significant physical injuries including a serious traumatic brain injury.
My loved ones were told I may never wake up and if I did, I may not recognise anyone, walk, or talk again. But when I did finally wake up, I was determined to defy the odds and learned to walk again.
Throughout this life-changing experience, I had to learn the importance of self-care, seeking help when needed, and above all, breaking the stigma of mental health. My experiences taught me that by doing these things, you can find the light at the end of the tunnel and overcome your struggles.
I strongly believe that the first step to creating an understanding and supportive community, is to share our own stories and normalise conversations about our mental wellbeing. By doing this, we prove to each other that we are not alone in our struggles, and that everyone deserves to have access to resources and support for their mental health.
Now, 25 years on from my accident, I am committed to spreading awareness and promoting mental health advocacy – whether through my writing, speaking engagements, or fundraisers. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it is 100% worth it, just to see the positive changes in the individuals I work with and society as a whole.
My message to you is simple – you are not alone! Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to suffer in silence!
So, let’s take care of ourselves and each other, one step at a time. Keep talking about mental health and spreading awareness – you never know who might be listening and feeling comforted by your words.
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