Time to talk or hide

 I’ve always advocated talking. As someone with alexithymia that’s not exactly easy for me but we need to talk about tolerance, mental health, neurodiversity and being you. 

At the beginning of the month I was involved in a distressing incident in the workplace, which led to me being ashamed of who I was, even though it was indirect abuse. I felt tarred with the same brush. It’s under investigation so I can’t go in to massive detail, however, I was left broken and scared of being myself.

I found strength to tell my wife, through tears. I told my manager, through tears. I told a mate, through tears. However, I talked. That’s why, back in the day, I was a time to change champion, the pioneers of time to talk day. Nobody expects you, my beloved reader, to open up if you’re unsure you can. Know this though, I was unsure I could talk about something that caused me great trauma, I’m actually exhibiting elements of post traumatic stress disorder, but somehow the words got through to someone, even if they were emotionally charged gibberish! If all you can manage is “sob squeal help squeal howl sob can’t do this” that person you’re talking to will hear those key words, listen, support and help you. 

I’m a qualified psychologist, yeah I know, how mad is that, but I needed someone to listen coz we can’t live well with a mind racing 100mph. I’d argue we’re not living at all if we’re not happy in our heads. A short sentence to your best mate, a family member, that bloke who annoys you in the Barclay lower by shouting “GERRIT FORRUD”, can be the release you need, as long as it’s not telling mr Barclay to fuck off!! My point is, people would rather hear your story than your eulogy, any person. 

That’s kinda my point this time to talk day. Everyone will tell you to talk, you’ll sit there and go “yeah yeah more people looking for likes” but if they’re saying talk, they are willing to listen. 

Seriously my DMs are always open, in confidence. 

Peace 💚

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