So, Mental-(Ish)… What the ‘ish’ is it for?

‘‘Nobody should ever want to end their life, especially, due to a lack of understanding of mental health’’.

Before you read, please note, my words may be triggering and contain a lot of swearing. (oops)

I’ve struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) sensory issues, and more recently, general anxiety disorder (GAD). The joy of my brain.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve had intrusive thoughts—some so bad that, since childhood, I’ve felt… well, insane. This was paired with so-called ‘habits,’ like endless blinking, raising my voice mid-conversation, and cleaning, washing, and scrubbing until my hands would bleed.

Even though I was diagnosed with OCD at a young age, I didn’t truly deal with it until my 30s, when a breakdown hit.

During the pandemic, I started writing, which led to a few publications and, most importantly, a new coping strategy! Not bad for a dyslexic man who left school at 14.

My words are memories from the past and some from the present. Some have been incredibly tough to revisit, but when I read them back, they make me laugh out loud!

The power of writing... who knew?

Let’s talk about our Mental(Ish) openly, honestly, and with humour.