As I write this article, I’m 31 years old. I’m not married. I don’t have kids, or anyone who’s dependent on me in any way. I’m not studying for a new qualification, or any of the other classic reasons to work part-time. For me that’s precisely why it’s the perfect time to start this new chapter in my life.
When I shared my story about my journey with mental health, I expected to get a range of reactions. The reception I received was overwhelmingly positive, but there was one kind of reaction from a few people that I really hadn’t anticipated: they were surprised that I hadn’t said something sooner.
In light of World Mental Health Day and the increasing spotlight that mental health has seen this year, I would like to share my story, as both a person and an Engineer