This topic may not be related to technology; however, you may not know that before I was in the Information Technology field, I was a Youth Worker for nearly 10 years before changing fields.
I have been wanting to write a piece for some time now, after I have seen so many stories of people going through hard times and battling their demons.
Considering that in Australia, October is Mental Health Month and seeing how October 6 is Cerebral Palsy Day and my birthday, I thought I would write a piece on how I beat my demons and continue moving forward, even with my limitations and naysayers, whatever you want to call them.
My goal in this blog post is not to cause a victim mentality; however, to express how you can keep succeeding overall in life, no matter what or who is in your way.
If you know me on a personal level from childhood to now, you know that there have been vast changes in what kind of person I was physically and mentally then and now.
No matter what, I keep pushing forward towards my goals and helping to break the stigma and the perception people have of me and others with a disability.
First, I would like to advise that just because I have a disability does not mean that all people with disabilities get along and group together. This is the perception that a lot of people have that we should pile all people with disabilities together; although this is a form of unity and inclusiveness, it’s done for the wrong reasons. I feel society in general should realise that not all people with disabilities understand how others with disabilities would feel. In my case, not being wheelchair-bound, I would understand how it feels to be a person with a disability, but not necessarily understand how life would be if I were wheelchair bound for life.
This is how I see it: “You have 2 types of people in your life, 1 supports you, and others are sheep in wolves’ clothing, they disguise themselves as people that support you, however, are obsticals in front of you do not be scared of them see them as a challenge and and learn to get around the challege and keep moving forward while the obstical people are still standing their with no progress and movement.”
The supporters will continue to help you with selflessness and unconditional love, with nothing to pay, only to pay it forward when you succeed.
The others that are the obstacles do not realise that you have moved forward and succeeded until you surpass them, and by the time they actually notice you have moved passed them and they have just stood still to focus on being a blocker.
Even if you fall and take a tumble and move back a few steps, keep pressing forward and ask for help from your supporters; they are always going to be out there ready to give you a helping hand.
I don’t want to sound like John Cena, but the motto of “Never Give Up fits in well here.
True friends are always going to be there for you, and if they are not well now, you know and keep moving forward because a friend will always be a person that you can count on.
Services you can find in Australia
Crisis Support
- Emergency: In a life-threatening situation or immediate danger, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or to connect with a mental health crisis team.
- 24/7 Crisis Lines:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 for counselling for those affected by suicide.
- 13YARN: 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 for young people aged 5 to 25.
General & Online Support
- Head to Health: This government portal provides information and links to mental health services and resources.
- Medicare Mental Health: Offers free support online, by phone, or in-person through centres for advice and connection to local services.
- Beyond Blue: Provides information and support for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Healthdirect: Offers a service finder to help you locate mental health services in your area.
Specialist & Other Services
- Headspace: Focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
- National Mental Health Commission: Works to improve mental health services and policies in Australia.
- SANE Australia: Provides support and information for people living with complex mental health issues.
Or contact a Friend!