If it's to be, it's up to me
Chris is a local photographer who has decided to share his story with mental distress...thank you Chris!
Occupation
Photographer Director of Photography, Documentary film maker.
What type of mental distress have you experienced?
Anxiety
How old were you when you first experienced mental distress?
4 or 5 years old
Did you know what it was at the time?
No
If not, how long was it until you knew it was anxiety?
Early 30's
Do you have family members who also have anxiety?
Yes
How have those in your life reacted to your anxiety?
Isolation, rejection, anger.
How do you feel when you are experiencing anxiety?
Physically tense, gritted teeth, headaches, tiredness, forgetful, dis-organised, irritable, like I’m in a fog.
How would you describe it?
A pain in the arse.
Do you believe there are stigmas around anxiety or mental illnesses?
Yes
Do you feel like you are 100% free from anxiety?
No
If no, do you believe you ever will be?
I really want to believe I can, and I get better at it all the time, but it sneaks up on me and I don’t realise how much it’s affecting me until something happens or I realise what’s going on. Looking back I’m so much better now than I ever was, and looking forward, knowing I can do better. I’ll never be perfect, but I know I can grow and develop if I let myself.
Are there any techniques you have found which help alleviate your anxiety?
Creating, either in my play or solving a problem. It’s the worry about a situation that turns me upside down.
Do you or have you taken medication for your anxiety?
Alcohol
If yes, do you feel like it helps?
No
What piece of advice would you give to anyone else living with anxiety?
It’s a long journey. Every day can be like a moment in combat. You might feel like you suffer from PTSD, so there are things you can do. Some that work for everyone, but some that are unique to you. It’s essential that you discover the signs in yourself that you are suffering.
Change of fix the things you can, and adapt to or work around the things you can’t. Be good to yourself, physically, emotionally.
Remember this is your life, own it, take control of it, and most important of all, even when you can’t see it, love it, it’s the only one you get.
Quote - “If it is to be, it’s up to me”
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