Caroline Flack was a UK TV presenter best known for hosting the Xtra Factor and several other TV shows. In 2014, she won the dance competition known as Strictly Come Dancing.
Success was undoubtedly knocking on her door as she continued to grow steadily in popularity; however, in February 2020, a series of unfortunate events led to her taking her own life.
What we weren't aware of was that Caroline Flack had been diagnosed with Bipolar; this would have made her vulnerable. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/bipolar-disorder/overview/
Although I did not follow the career of Caroline Flack, I was very saddened and shocked by the news that she had taken her own life. I couldn't make sense of it all; in fact, all I could conclude was that it shouldn't have come to this.
According to WHO (the World Health Organisation), 1 in every 8 people live with a mental disorder. Mental illness involves significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, and behaviour. (World Health Organization), June 2022.
Various types of mental disorders
There are many types of mental disorders that do not discriminate; anyone can become subject to any of these disorders at any time during their lives.
Mental disorders include the following:
1. Mood disorder (such as depression)
2. Bipolar disorder
3. Anxiety disorders (including personality disorders)
4. Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia
Depression
In 2019, 280 million people were living with depression, including 23 million children and adolescents; this is a shocking figure for just one year. Noteworthy is that during a depressive episode, the person who is depressed may feel sad, irritable, and empty) or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
They may experience poor concentration, excessive guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, thoughts about death or suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feeling especially tired or lacking energy. People with depression are at an increased risk of suicide. Yet, effective psychological treatment exists, and depending on the age and severity, medication may also be considered for individuals.
Caroline's death inspired me to write this poem emphasising that we must check on one another to ensure we are alright. Only by talking can we attempt to provide the necessary support. A problem shared is a problem halved. At least we would be halfway there!
Checking on You
I thought that I would check on you
To make sure that you are alright
Yes, you say that all is fine,
But I fear you have left the truth behind
Are you sleeping? Are you feeling low?
I see the sadness behind your smile though
I saw the darkness behind your eyes
Open up and prove me wrong
I would gladly apologise
Talk to me, as I am here for you
It is vital to have someone to talk to
We could row the little paddle boat
Together we could sail
Right through the rough sea,
Toward the vessel of safety
Together you and me.
Stephen Twitch Boss – More recently, we were shocked to hear of the death of Steven Twitch Boss, an American Freestyle hip-hop dance, choreographer, actor, television producer and television personality. Yes, it would appear that the world was his oyster; however, he is said to have taken his own life and now it has been reported that he may have been suffering from mental health issues.
High functioning Depression
This is where the depressed person may appear perfectly functional to the outside world, working, as usual, socially engaging as expected, and even being a great partner, but struggling to get through each day on the inside. Hence the shock when others are finally made aware.
Checking on each other
For this reason, it is essential to check on each other and not just by asking, 'How are you?' but ‘How are you really?’ Again, not being satisfied with the 'Fine, thank you' masked response, but by insisting, 'No, really, how are you?' and being prepared to follow through and think of ways to offer genuine assistance if required by being there for them.
Mental Health Stigma
Although there are certainly more discussions on mental health problems, with prominent figures opening up about their mental health issues, many continue to hide their pain and suffer in silence due to the stigma attached. As a result, they become masters of disguise, keeping this secret for many years until they reach breaking point.
A mountainous Struggle
Mental illness can be a daily mountainous or an uphill/downhill struggle. The start of every day can present itself with a dark cloud hovering over the lids of your eyes, with a tenuous view of what the day will bring, but still, you forge through and battle on.
Talking about it
Dwayne Johnson, one of the highest-paid actors, otherwise known as 'The Rock,' recently opened up about depression. He said that 'Struggle and Pain are real.' He saved his mother from a suicide attempt when he was just 15. He said that it never discriminates. He also said, ' it is vital not to be afraid to open up.' Let's face it; it could save our lives.
How opening up can save our lives
It is by talking about it that helps others to afford us the opportunity to seek help that could become a link to the chain of survival.
There is nothing better and more valuable than knowing that there is support, not only by those who love us but professional support. But talking about it, it helps others who might be in the same position as we are; talking about it certainly will help remove the stigma attached to mental health illness, but this can only be achieved by checking on each other.
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