Talking is only the first step

[MandyD]

I think the ABC did a great job this week raising awareness of depression and anxiety. I found it both compelling and confronting. Many triggers as I identified with people in different stages. Especially seeing ECT live. One issue that frustrated me was the shallow approach of "if you talk about it you will feel better".  I see it that if you talk about it that is the first step to getting help. Not an instant fix. They only brushed over the concept that many diagnoses take many years to reach and then even longer with trial and error to reach a treatment plan for each individual to manage their illness. And they can be managed. 

Although I am quite well at the moment, these shows took me back to the dark places as memories. Am I alone?

[white knight]

Hi MandyD, welcome to beyond Blue forums

Re: "taking you back to the dark days".  That quote of your reminded me of another thread here recently where a member questioned the forum as to whether it actually causes more harm than good because (according to her view) the sad stories put her more into depression.

My answer was that think of the atom bomb on Japans two cities were flattened. but there were millions saved as the Japanese surrendered.

You cant please everyone with shows like that one on the ABC.

Another example- I was a prison officer in the late 1970's. I witnessed self harming and violence.  I left in 1980.  Yet to this day I watch some shows like RPA where blood is exposed or criminal lives where prisons are displayed and I get shivvers up my spine. I have to grin and bare it. It isnt fair on my wife for me to demand changing channels half way through a show. And I am talking about events over 35 years ago.

I found the show amazing and factual.  I just wished the people that shunned me over the years due to my illnesses would have watched it and rang me to chat. There are so many people out there that cant relate, wont admit error or rather ignore mental health in our society.

Maybe another 50 years will fix it.

Tony

[geoff]

dear Mandy, interesting comment and I take your point, and excuse me if I am referring to another show, which could be the case, but my take on what they have said is to give those who are suffering from depression so they don't get completely turned away that it may take years to overcome , because that would be very despondent for them.

It's the same as wanting to become a specialised physician, if you told the student it's going to take x amount of years plus x amount of years in training that would surely turn them off.

I'm not sure whether I am on track here. L Geoff. x