My Story - Kelly
I wasn’t always passionate about mental health.
Mental health was something that other people experienced. I never judged people for their struggles with their mental wellbeing, but it was a label that I didn’t like the feel of.
Kelly McGrath — Isaac Navicare’s Mental Health Care Navigator
Like most people, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. There were a few periods where I knew in the back of my mind that I was anxious and depressed. To me, anxiety starts with an uncomfortable feeling like an itchy tag on your shirt or a pair of shoes that are too tight and you can’t take off; depression feels like swimming in layers of wet clothes – heavy, and so hard to breathe. Thankfully, I’d always managed to come out the other side. Until I didn’t.
I had been feeling that “itchy-tag-swimming-in-a-trench-coat” feeling for a while, a few years if I’m entirely honest, but I refused to acknowledge it. Then within a very short period, I was blindsided by several enormous, life-changing events. I spent months navigating my way through a maze of utter devastation, extreme anger, guilt, and a blind fog of numbness. My family and friends begged me to seek help, but I refused. I’d come through anxiety and depression before without any help, so I was adamant I would do it again. But I was wrong. After realising the impact that my depression and anxiety was having on the people I loved most, I finally admitted that I couldn’t do it on my own.
I was fortunate that I was able to access the mental health support that I needed without having to wait months. I saw my GP and psychologist regularly, and I opened up to people about my mental health challenges. After a few months, I finally realised that I felt noticeably lighter, and the “uncomfortable shoes” feeling had gone away. I no longer fear starting the sometimes-awkward conversation about mental health, and do all I can to promote an open conversation and change the way people think about mental health and wellbeing.
And now here I am, as the Isaac Navicare Mental Health Care Navigator based in Moranbah. While I may not know precisely what mental health challenges you face, I do understand what it’s like to need help and be too afraid to ask for it.
I’m here to help you find the support that you need.