Happiful December 2019

How to enjoy yourself while living
with mental illness
People often assume that those living with mental illness are, or should be, miserable all the
time, and hidden away at home. But this stigma needs to end. Living with mental ill-health is
difficult enough, without feeling guilty for experiencing a good day once in a while...
Writing | Katie Conibear Illustrating | Rosan Magar
Mental illness isn’t
linear – how you’re
feeling can change
from day to day, and
week to week. It can
be a struggle to live with, manage,
and/or recover from. Then there
will also be times when, although
we may be ill, we feel we can go
out and enjoy ourselves.
But often the stigma we
encounter can stop us from
making the most of these
moments. I’ve experienced this
myself. I’ve worried people will
think I’m faking my illness if I’m
seen smiling or laughing. When
I’ve had periods of time off work
because of my mental health, I’ve
been anxious about being seen
on an evening out and a colleague
not understanding that I happen
to be having a good day. With 15%
of employees who disclosed
mental health issues to
their line manager
reporting being
disciplined,
dismissed or demoted, it’s no
wonder we worry about other
people’s reactions.
I have positive days when I can
laugh and dance and socialise.
What people don't see are the
bad days when I can't get out of
bed, have suicidal feelings, or am
hearing voices.
But we shouldn’t feel guilty for
times of relief or happiness – and,
in fact, we should try to embrace
those moments when we can. I’ve
learned that I can do the things
I enjoy, even though I live with a
mental illness. Here are four tips
I’ve discovered that help me to do
just that...