How to enjoy yourself while living with mental illness People often assume that those living with mental illness are, or should be, miserable all the time, and hidden away at home. But this stigma needs to end. Living with mental ill-health is difficult enough, without feeling guilty for experiencing a good day once in a while... Writing | Katie Conibear Illustrating | Rosan Magar
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ental illness isn’t linear – how you’re feeling can change from day to day, and week to week. It can be a struggle to live with, manage, and/or recover from. Then there will also be times when, although we may be ill, we feel we can go out and enjoy ourselves.
But often the stigma we encounter can stop us from making the most of these moments. I’ve experienced this myself. I’ve worried people will think I’m faking my illness if I’m seen smiling or laughing. When I’ve had periods of time off work because of my mental health, I’ve been anxious about being seen on an evening out and a colleague not understanding that I happen to be having a good day. With 15% of employees who disclosed mental health issues to their line manager reporting being disciplined,
dismissed or demoted, it’s no wonder we worry about other people’s reactions. I have positive days when I can laugh and dance and socialise. What people don't see are the bad days when I can't get out of bed, have suicidal feelings, or am hearing voices. But we shouldn’t feel guilty for times of relief or happiness – and, in fact, we should try to embrace those moments when we can. I’ve learned that I can do the things I enjoy, even though I live with a mental illness. Here are four tips I’ve discovered that help me to do just that...
