Uh, is this on?
Okay, hey everyone – I’m Charlie, y’know that weird British guy from the interwebs with hilarious jokes.
I noticed that today’s topic for the excellent #SWRepMatters was Mental Health and decided to write a little something. I was apprehensive about talking about both the topic and my own experience mainly due to unpleasant experiences I’ve had in the past, but by not speaking – I feel like I’m setting a bad example? Anxiety – what can you do?
Anyway, I suffer from depression and GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) – with both helping each other in taking down my mood, like a shitty Voltron. I take anti-depressants to help with this and also try breathing exercises to help me chill out.
The depression came first when I was in my teens, which I don’t think is uncommon. I’ve been told my specific cases mainly stem from health-trauma and other events in my life that I couldn’t quite process at the time due to my age. Go figure. I’ve had dark thoughts and tried to not be here in the past – I’ve felt ashamed.
But I wasn’t alone, and neither are you. If you’re upset or feeling the same way – you’re always welcome to send a message my way. Alternatively, there’s a range of different services who are there to listen and talk to.
I appreciate you reading this quickly typed blog, and I don’t really have much to say other than I hope we see more representation of these issues in Star Wars – there’s a *lot* to delve into, even with characters we’ve met before.
Anyway, may the force be with you all.
– Charlie x
