From your musical tastes to your political views, were you ever way ahead of the rest of us, adopting the new and the emerging before everyone else?
My sixth form English teacher wrote on my reference to leave high school—I have a unique personality. I was so proud. He did understand me. And with that reference, I got my first job—as a trainee psychiatric nurse. It was perfect for me. I had two requirements for my job. I wanted to work with people and I didn’t want to be a general nurse. Both requirements ticked. It was 1981 and most of Australia, possibly the world were not thinking about mental health issues or work, even their own. I was then and I am today, still proud to be helping people find their way through difficult times.
Today, the stigma of having mental health problems or working in mental health is broken. People realise through advertising that mental health problems can and do happen to anyone and everyone.There is more information around on how, when and where to get help. Bosses are encouraged to talk to their staff about any concerns they have and encourage people to seek help.
Universities teach more mental health content and encourage people through mental health placements to take up this worthwhile career option. Today, working in mental health, you can specialise in many areas, developing many transferable skills. For most of the last two decades, I have chosen to specialise in eating disorders, however my acute psychiatry skills are never far away.
If I had my time again, would I change anything? No. My experiences and career choices have made me who I am today. If you or someone you know is considering a career in any area of mental health, I would encourage them to give it a try. It is very rewarding helping people find themselves again after difficult times.
good one – regards http://YourWellWisherProgram.wordpress.com
Thanks Glad you liked it. Your blog looks interesting.
Good to hear you found your niche in such an important area!
It is a very important area and I can’t think of anywhere I would be better suited to work. Although moving into writing about the area also works.
Thanks for stopping by my page. I very much value what you do. I work in community health, specifically with families of children with disability/chronic illness and facilitate related (parent/peer/child) groups. Mental Illness abounds! Every person that can contribute in some way to raising awareness, breaking the stigma, supporting those living with these issues every single day, educating, writing, researching…….etc etc………makes a difference.
I agree. When I started this blog this was not my mission but I think as it develops it is part of my calling and I am happy to support breaking the stigma and encouraging everyone to be the best that they can be by looking after their own mental health and supporting those that need it.
I think we have made great strides with breaking the stigma of mental health, but I don’t believe it is where it needs to be, yet. When we can discuss it as openly as getting a hair cut, then we will all be better off for it. Keep pushing!
Yes I agree. It is getting easier in some parts of Australia, usually after people have had a personal experience to help normalise it. Unfortunately, often that personal experience is a suicide attempt of a loved or self.