Let’s Talk


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We need to talk about mental health more than ever

Last week, during Bell Let’s Talk day, Canadians were invited to join the conversation to support everyone’s mental health. “Talking and getting help is still difficult for some people today. But for me, it’s a sign of strength and it gave me the tools to get through these uncertain times.” said comedian Maxim Martin.

Why talk about our health problems?

A few years ago, I was reluctant in sharing my health problems. I suffered from insomnia and spoke little about it. Insomnia was probably the biggest problem I had, as it lasted almost a decade. I would sometimes tell family members or close friends about it, but not to others.

I remember driving on the highway to work. I already had a headache, having barely slept all night. The daylight was bright and I had to make an effort to stay focused on the road. Sometimes, I would only sleep for 2-3 hours. I even had nights when I remember that it was getting light outside, and I still hadn’t slept yet. It was terribly frustrating and I would not wish it on anyone.

At the time, I was working (I’m an accountant) for a very kind manager. There was no real reason to keep my health problem a secret. However, we are brought up in a “proud” society; our problems, we keep them at home. Plus, maybe I kept it to myself for fear it would become an obstacle in my young career, who knows?

In my late thirties, I started to be more transparent about my insomnia. I mentioned it to my superior (another), which I should have done long before. He reassured me that it was okay if I get to work later after an awful night. Obviously, I couldn’t arrive late if I had an important meeting in the morning. Arriving later wasn’t something I did often, but having this option reassured me. If it happened, I would stay later in the evening to make up for the work. I know this option may not be available to everyone, but sometimes we find some alternatives by confiding our problems.

Even today, I still have problems with insomnia and need to take some medication. The other day, I tried to not take any meds. However, I ended up not falling asleep because I had flashbacks of Zackaël and the accident.

Why did I start talking more?

I think as I got older I started to realize that it is often best to be transparent and real, especially if we have some concerns. I recently read that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness, but rather shows some emotional maturity.

Vulnerability isn’t a weakness

“At some point in our lives, we realize that showing emotion, admitting we are struggling, and asking for help are not signs of weakness but acts of courage. Knowing it mentally is one thing, but going one step further and actually applying it is next-level maturity.” Psychologist Cassandra Dunn,

Why write a blog?

Following the accident, I read everywhere that one way of “healthy grieving” is to share emotions. Keeping our emotions inside is unhealthy. When Adélie was still in the hospital, I was lucky enough to confide in a social worker, who helped me tremendously. However, even after a year, I had to keep talking, for myself and for others.

On that matter, I remember that for months, I felt lonely in my grief. Not alone physically, but alone emotionally. Yes, I had Carl (my husband) in this grief, but it was already heavy for him; he also had his own grief to go through. I was looking for testimonials from bereaved parents online. I had great difficulty finding personal pages of bereaved parents, especially in Canada. They seem more popular in France. I had found a Facebook group, but I wasn’t sure if that was what I needed.

I was invited to participate in support groups. However, I didn’t have the courage to participate. When we lose someone very close, we are not necessarily ready to share our story and hear the stories of many others. We don’t have a lot of energy and patience. Personally, I preferred reading online more. I can do it when I feel like it and not at a specific set time. In addition, it allowed me to be with Adélie who was still hospitalized.

With writing a blog, I thought that it could certainly help other people as well. Blogs allow us to connect with each other, especially during the difficult times of the pandemic. They also allow you to touch in-depth different topics each week while providing a certain perspective. Anyone can read the publications whenever they want, at any time of the day, which is important in times of mourning.

Here is part of a message I received last month from a mom who recently lost a young child:

“Hello Brigitte, thank you for your kind words. A few days ago I was unable to sleep, so I decided to read your blog and it made me feel good. It’s very difficult at the moment, I say to myself “one day at a time”, but I find the days long and very difficult … As for the group of parents that is on Facebook, I find it difficult 😓 to read all this sadness. I no longer know what is good for me, and what is not. “

Why does it help to talk about our problems?

Research from Southern Methodist University suggests that writing about traumatic experiences or undergoing talk therapy had a positive impact on a patient’s health and immune system. The study argues that holding back thoughts and emotions is stressful. You have negative feelings either way, but you have to work to repress them. That can tax the brain and body, making you more susceptible to getting sick or just feeling awful.

Until it happens to you

I’ve heard people say that they are the type to keep their problems and emotions to themselves if difficult situations arise. It may be, but not necessarily. We shouldn’t assume. Statements like ” If something similar would happen to me, I wouldn’t do that” can be judgemental in nature.

For my part, never would I have thought that I would talk about my problems openly. Writing a blog was never a project I considered. But situations change us. We become more vulnerable after certain events, and also, as we age.

If people feel uncomfortable reading my blog or reading about grief, maybe it’s because they have never experienced much grief. If they are uncomfortable supporting those who have problems, it may be because they have never had “big” problems. Or maybe I’m wrong?

Support others

You’ve seen relatives or friends write a post during Bell Let’s Talk Day? Let’s not forget to empathize and support them by responding. We should also be proud of their courage. They demonstrate not only their vulnerability but also their emotional maturity. It’s by talking and helping each other that we can all get better.

Lady Gaga – Till It Happens To You, Live Oscar Performance 2016
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rufPMisw4o

That’s it for now!
Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I appreciate them so much and your private messages!

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Sources:

https://www.newswire.ca/fr/news-releases/c-est-la-journee-bell-cause-pour-la-cause-votre-voix-compte-maintenant-plus-que-jamais-alors-que-nous-faisons-face-aux-repercussions-de-la-crise-de-la-covid-19-sur-la-sante-mentale-des-canadiens-856370523.html

https://centr.com/blog/show/7180/12-things-emotionally-mature-people-do

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/smarter-living/talking-out-problems.html


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10 responses to “Let’s Talk”

  1. Krista Curtis Avatar
    Krista Curtis

    your next few posts say they require a password. I don’t have that password though!

    1. Brigitte L Avatar

      Hi Krista! the posts were a mistake, but the new one “5 reasons to remember” should work now. Thanks for reading!

  2. Laura Barron Avatar
    Laura Barron

    I love reading these. You write so well and the message is always so important, and this one in particular is so relatable to so many.

    1. Brigitte L Avatar

      Thank you Laura. I love when you say that it’s relatable as I try to be when I can.

  3. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    Bravo Brigitte…another excellent post. The Lady Gaga song was very on point. When Zackael died the song Memories, by Maroon 5 was playing on the radio quite often. Whenever I hear that song I think of our sweet Zackael and it makes me miss him all over again. Keep being brave!

    1. Brigitte L Avatar

      thanks so much Judy. I didn’t know that about the Maroon 5 song, thanks for sharing!

  4. Amelie Guindon Avatar
    Amelie Guindon

    Chère Brigitte, c’est toujours très touchant ces témoignages. Merci de t’ouvrir de la sorte afin d’aider les autres. C’est certainement le souhait de Zackaël qui t’accompagne à tout instant de la journée. Effectivement je suis bien d’accord avec toi mais l’hypersensibilité ou la vulnérabilité sont perçus comme des faiblesses. Peut-être que la COVID va remettre le monde à l’endroit? Peut-être qu’on va réaliser que l’essentiel pour rendre notre monde meilleur is when we care for one another… avec compassion et ouverture
    Je te félicite grandement pour cette belle initiative
    D’une cousine qui pense à toi

    1. Brigitte L Avatar

      merci Amélie pour ton appui continu et pour tes beaux messages, ils sont vraiment touchants. J’espère qu’effectivement il y aura encore des progrès en ce qui a trait la sensibilisation de la santé mentale. Je pense aussi à toi et à tout ce que tu as vécu avec ta perte.

  5. Renee Avatar
    Renee

    It’s very brave of you, and others who talk openly about their mental health and internal struggles. I’ve had my own struggles with mental health, yet have not found the courage to talk about it outside of my closest circles. But your blog is encouraging, and helpful to those who are struggling. 💚

    1. Brigitte L Avatar

      thanks so much Renée. It is hard to open up, but I think we realize that it can help. We would also realize that so many people have struggles, and therefore not alone in ours.

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