My journey with mental health – by Mary Green
Mental health is a subject close to my heart; I have had bouts of depression since I was a teenager. Generally controlled well by medication, cognitive behavioural therapy and exercise it can come back when life is giving me lemons. The world becomes grey and incomprehensibly negative. Days become a trudge, as if I’m walking through mud, everyday tasks seem mountainous, and my positive outlook takes a dive.
Anxiety for me, is the other side of depression where you can’t think straight, your heart rate and stress levels are sky high and thoughts whirl around without resolution. When I had my second child I was delighted, exhausted and suddenly hyper vigilant, panicky and with a level of adrenalin that would have been more appropriate if I had been thrown into a pit of angry bears rather than looking after a baby. It’s normal to feel anxious and exhausted when you have just given birth, but this was at a whole new level. I talked to my midwife who supported me and fast tracked me into cognitive behavioural therapy.
So, you ask what has this got to do with Financial Planning? Financial Planning is not about investment returns, it’s about offering peace of mind and a big sigh of relief. Money can be one of our biggest sources of stress and anxiety, and by working with a professional, we can make this much easier for you.
A good financial planner will be focused fully on you and will be able to discuss not just where you want to be in 3, 5 or 10 years’ time, but give you advice on what needs to be done to get there and help you implement any changes that are needed. You should also feel comfortable sharing anything which might hinder your progress, having a Financial Planner you trust is vital.
We often have in-depth discussions about the impact being unwell can have on your plans for now and the future, on your family, your career, your employer, or employees. It’s about working out the answers to some of life’s problems before they can be compounded by poor finances.
If you are struggling make sure you get help, make a doctor’s appointment contact a therapist I have included some links which may be helpful. The clouds do clear, and you will not always feel like this.
Links:
Money and mental health are a well know vicious circle with one impacting on the other.
Money and mental health – Mind
Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicines, NHS and private help are both available.
Mental health services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Anxiety when and emotional ups and downs when you have had a baby but it persists get help.
