‘We all need a helping hand sometimes’

For Mental Health Awareness Week I have been inspired by others to write a blog that I meant to write five years ago, but didn’t for various reasons – mainly because, back then, I was afraid to.

I’ve realised that recognising my mental health issues and ‘owning’ them has helped both empower myself and enable me to deal with them head on. To be able to talk freely about them and without fear of prejudice is half the battle.

I have long suffered from depression and increased levels of anxiety. It can come and go but at times it can be completely debilitating, making getting out of bed and facing the day a near impossible task. Most times though, when the cloud surfaces, it simply takes the shine off the day. Even major achievements pale into insignificance and life feels like it has little purpose.

As an environmentalist I’ve often felt flattened under the overpowering pressure of the impending climate crisis (as it is now being correctly called). It is easy to let depression cloud our vision and make us feel alone, insignificant and powerless. Even when I have managed to change and improve policy or help start new initiatives, my depression has robbed me of a lot of the joy I could have felt.

This is a phenomenon which I think will only get worse as the effects of the climate crisis are felt more around the world and as the disconnect increases between what needs to be done and the actions of world leaders.

I believe one of the strongest aspects of the newly formed Extinction Rebellion is their recognition of eco-anxiety and the support mechanisms they are building into their movement to prevent burn out and create a regenerative culture.

Extinction Rebellion is a worldwide campaign group aiming to halt the climate crisis

As a local politician, you are expected to receive a fair bit of criticism. But when it manifests in personal attacks, and even threats of violence, it is hard to just let it wash over you.

When I tried to discuss the effects this was having on me with friends and colleagues it was agreed that you just have to develop ‘thick skin’. Old fashioned toxic masculinity played its role here and I felt I couldn’t open myself up to criticism and expose my ‘weaknesses’ to my political ‘enemies’. I would just have to don my suit of armour and soldier on.

The more we can openly talk about our struggles the more others will feel at ease talking about theirs, and hopefully they will seek out any help they may need.

We all need a helping hand sometimes and asking for help is only ever a good thing. It’s perfectly normal not to feel happy all the time. Through hearing and sharing each other’s stories we can break down some of the prejudices around mental health and get to a stage where we can all just be who we are without fear of repercussions.

Gus Hoyt

Gus Hoyt is an environmental campaigner and is project managing Refill Britain with City to Sea and Geovation. He was previously a Green Party councillor for Ashley ward.

Read more: Ten ways to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week in Bristol