Depression and getting help - Stories from Zak, Sara and Rania | headspace

Summary

This heartfelt account shares a journey through depression and drug abuse, beginning in high school, and the eventual turning point through seeking help. The individual, initially unaware of their struggles with mental health, describes how their isolation and self-destructive behaviors led to a breaking point. Through the support of their mother, school counselor, and organizations like Headspace, they found the courage to address their issues and rebuild their life. The video highlights the importance of seeking help, even when one doesn't think things are that bad, and underscores the transformative power of talking to someone and gaining mental health support.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has a family history of depression and struggled with drug abuse during high school.
• 😀 The speaker didn't initially recognize they were depressed and didn't believe anyone could help.
• 😀 They experienced isolation, stopped socializing, and began unhealthy habits like chain smoking.
• 😀 The speaker felt hopeless and undeserving of help, thinking their situation was unchangeable.
• 😀 Despite the struggles, the speaker's mother recognized the problem and tried to help.
• 😀 The speaker ignored signs of their mental health issues, thinking they didn't matter.
• 😀 Eventually, the speaker realized the importance of talking to someone and sought help.
• 😀 The speaker was inspired by Headspace's positive mental health approach and philosophy.
• 😀 A school counselor recommended Headspace, which provided a comfortable and supportive space for the speaker.
• 😀 Headspace helped the speaker develop skills to address their problems and build a better life.
• 😀 The speaker encourages others to seek help, even if they don't think their issues are severe, as support is available.

Q & A

What led to the person's depression in the transcript?

The person experienced depression starting in Year 11 and struggled with the effects of a family history of depression and drug abuse. They became increasingly isolated and disconnected from friends.

How did the person cope with their depression initially?

Initially, the person didn't recognize that they were depressed. They started chain smoking, withdrew socially, and accepted their situation, feeling that there was no way out.

Did the person acknowledge their depression immediately?

No, the person did not initially understand that they were depressed. They didn't recognize the symptoms and didn't think they deserved help.

What role did the person's mother play in addressing their situation?

The person's mother was aware of their drug use and tried to help them as much as possible, but the person ignored the signs and didn't engage with the support.

What made the person decide to seek help for their depression?

The person realized that it would be helpful to talk to someone about their struggles, leading them to seek help and start rebuilding their life.

What was the person's initial impression of Headspace?

The person was drawn to Headspace after seeing their events and appreciating their philosophy of promoting positive mental health experiences.

How did the person feel when they visited Headspace?

The person felt comfortable and listened to at Headspace, which made them feel supported and helped in addressing their issues.

What impact did Headspace have on the person’s recovery?

Headspace provided the person with the skills to resolve their problems, gave them a sense of empowerment, and helped them learn how to seek support and discuss their feelings.

What important lesson did the person learn from their experience?

The person learned that it is important to reach out for help, even if they feel like their problems are not severe. Talking about what they were going through changed everything for the better.

What advice does the person give to others experiencing similar struggles?

The person advises others to seek help, even if they don't think their issues are serious, as there is always someone who can help.