Nathanael Boehm on web user experience design, the Internet, social networking & free wireless

Posted by Nathanael Boehm on October 10th, 2008 in General

Today is Blue Day 2008, an initiative started by Michael Specht to raise awareness of depression and anxiety during October, Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month that also coincides with World Mental Health Day.

This is going to be a quick post as I have to head off in 10 minutes to the Canberra Twitter meetup CTUB 11 - special Blue Day edition, but just want to share how important it is to let people around you help you if you’re lucky enough to having caring friends and family. You might not be able to ask for help, but don’t fight it when it’s offered. Hold onto it.

I’m not going to say I’ve ever suffered from depression per se as I’ve never been to a psychologist and been diagnosed with it … but I can say that over my life I’ve had to struggle with some pretty depressing situations; the failure of my business last year, the decision to leave the church I had attended all my life also last year and the resulting sudden separation from my family and almost all my friends who I’d known in that church, the financial problems I’ve had particularly with purchasing a block of land - all of which have really affected me, brought me down, made me so anxious that I would feel physically unwell and unable to focus on anything. Then nothing would get done making me feel even more stressed because problems were compounding and not being sorted. Just wanting to run away from it all yet knowing there is no escape.

I couldn’t have gotten through it without the generosity, the love and care of friends (not my family, who I am not in contact with any more) who gave me accommodation after I moved out of home, who offered me support and encouragement, who have helped me in more tangible ways with lending money or giving me things I’ve needed. Who’ve invited me around to their place or out for drinks. Who have ultimately helped me to rationalise my anxiety and put things in perspective, lifting me out of that dark place.

I just want to say thank you all so very, very much - you know who you are and I am so grateful for putting up with me and helping me make it this far.

Thank you, I love you all.

Tags: anxiety, awareness, blueday, depression, family, friends, help, stress