Mental health: one year later

[@PapaFlammy69]

So glad!!!

[@a12i9]

"there's probably nobody watching at this point" .. please don't say that. whoever is watching till the end does it because they want to - and the rest left already. I genuinely mean that because I love your videos: You can be proud of your content, don't put it down! Thank you for your honesty, you're awesome 🙏

[@prachichoubey7313]

Exactly good point buddy!!

[@michaelanthony8330]

That little smirk when he says "in this context, means Cognitive Behavioural Therapy" 😂

[@pkos91]

WIKIPEDIA, THE FREE ENCYCLOPEDIA

[@granville7]

there are a number of other meanings mostly around computing and we should assume he was thinking about one of them. certainly not what is on your mind. get it out of the gutter, will you?^^

[@Theonevidz]

@@granville7 Change block tracking was my thought lmao

[@lyledal]

I had to snicker. :D

[@TreespeakerOfTheLand]

_he knew_

[@mianlehaclan]

Thank you for talking about this, Simon. It's so important to break the mental health stigma (especially for men).

[@Cannedcheese45]

Bruh the wave analogy is so true. Now and then when me and my talk about how we're feeling sometimes someone will be like I'm on that sine wave and I'm *here* on it

[@dualsportdadz]

This is the rub of Simon's issue. And I think it would do him well to really take a look at it, and that visceral feeling he has against flattening the wave. Perhaps he thinks without the highs he will lose the spark, his ability to do what he does, his whole identity. But the truth is, none of that is who he or any of us are. I don't think he necessarily needs to pursue a spiritual path to find that out (or would want to). But, I think some secular-based meditation practices could be extremely beneficial. I really appreciate that we now live in age where people can talk about these things more openly.

[@Gakulon]

Getting help for mental health truly is one of the best things I think I've done for myself. Just looking back and seeing how much progress I've made since where I was before I got help really shows how effective even a small amount can be. Here's to hoping that we can keep working through our issues and get to a place where we're happy with the progress we've made.

[@DrAndrewSteele]

Dude: 11:20 - I’m sure your analytics will show I wasn’t the only one still watching! The irony of being underconfident in a video about dealing with your underconfidence. And the further irony is that you’re actually being brave talking about this stuff. Keep it up dude, both getting better and destigmatising the process while you’re at it. :)

[@estherwhittall2466]

Thank you for making this video Simon, it really helps when people can be so honest about things like this, talking about it and bringing awareness, I really appreciate it.

[@Scarlettlovesmusicx1]

Thank you for this Simon. A lot of mental health difficulties have been exacerbated and triggered by the pandemic, so this video feels more relevant than ever. The wave analogy is apt right now with the ups and downs of uncertainty and anxiety. I had the same experience with Sertraline too; it was a bit numbing with emotions and I eventually stopped taking it after around a year. I then also had CBT which really helped and sparked something in me because I felt like I could intercept my thoughts and feelings better by myself. Another powerful example of changing operative words is saying "I'm not where I want to be...YET". That word yet makes all the difference, because it reminds us that our abilities and attitudes are not fixed. It sounds like the neutrality of your therapist has helped you to take the same approach to your thoughts. Loved this candid chat about your mental health experiences and journey. I hope you can get as much as possible out of the support available to you. I made it to the end hehee, so there was definitely more than nobody watching🧡

[@Andalosity]

Biggest help of cbt for me was learning how to recognize when my brain was "looping", or having a specific, harmful thought pattern on repeat. Not always easy to control, but recognition helps.

[@goduxunike]

Very true!

[@Epiphonication]

I want to say thank you, Simon. Your last video made me finally see a doctor. I'm now on medication since some months and, what's even better, quickly got accepted for therapy which helps a LOT. I'm feeling so much better already!

[@Austin_]

Needed this, thank you.

[@SimonClark]

You're so welcome!

[@oxymoron6701]

I imagine you must have been really scared to make this video, but you did it anyway. That takes courage! Know that your story resonates with many of us. My dad was bipolar, and he was on medication. Unfortunately, he never got better and never really talked about it. But it's great to see how you really want to take control over your life and are fighting your demons head on, and are honest and open about the process while you're still in it (which is so much harder). You are an inspiration to many. Good luck and never give up!

[@LankyNoodle]

I'm just about to watch this, I'm anxious as hell about getting therapy so I hope this helps motivate me to seek help

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

Thank you for making this video! It's not too long and everyones watching it till the end.

[@edcranium500]

Your soul gazing will be helpful to many, myself included. Thank you.

[@garyjsimm]

As a fellow anxiety sufferer, great video. Medication scared me. But talk therapy worked for me. I still suffer from anxiety and probably always will, but it’s far more manageable and I have gotten to understand myself. Keep up the good work

[@maskappi8651]

My man making a mental health vlog with the same structure as a scientific presentation and I'm loving it

[@DrawingsFromAnna]

It is a long old journey to delve into and rewrite all those negative thought patterns, but always worth it in the end! Hope it only keeps getting better for you Simon!

[@connornkb]

This video literally helped me speak to a GP after six or seven years of difficulty. Well said and thank you, Simon!

[@iury472]

I am actually being to seen a therapist in January like you. It was been really good.

[@Cliff.Li88]

Thanks for sharing this Simon, you are the BEST! Don't doubt that please.

[@ss-wc2oi]

"Just because no-one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn't mean you can, should or need to do it alone" L. Olivera

[@jessbuildstech]

"Put a little faith in someone else and believe they want to help"

[@nelvintanify]

Good to hear, wishing you all the best on the journey ahead!

[@nacho6438]

I'm so proud of you for getting help and working to get better

[@MrMAHA92]

Glad to hear more people talking about mental health and that you are taking steps towards improving yours. you are an inspiration to a lot of people. Keep up the good work Simon, your doing great!

[@HydrogenAlpha]

One of your best videos - and that's saying a lot. Very best wishes to you for what I assume will be an exceptionally bright future.

[@David-CoolDave]

Thank you for always being so articulate and open when you speak on this matter

[@morlath4767]

I ended up having three different NHS cycles of CBT and came away with generally the same feeling as you; it's good, it works, but it's not the thing that's going to be the biggest aid to my mental health. I'm glad you've been in a position to go the private route and that it's been making a positive impact on you. Well done!

[@iboyschannel3462]

I watched through all of it, dude! was definitely the best 10 minutes I've spent today!!!

[@silvera4352]

Thanks for sharing your mental health journey Simon. I think it’s really important we break the stigma around mental health and continue to make it part of everyday conversation.

[@okabae7927]

Can confirm everything you've said as someone who has been seeing psychiatrists and counsellors and therapists for years. It's been a year since I found a really good therapist and I have to say that that is the single most important thing to find a good therapist. The medicines help you dissolve the depressive state enough to be able to really work with a therapist and see sense in the sessions and the therapy sessions are so important. Without them, you would relapse into depression as soon as you were off the medication and possibly even while you're on it.

[@moogsldp]

Happy to support your mental health journey as a patron! Keep going!!

[@dannysze8183]

I have schizophrenic symptoms and am taking medication. glad that you are open up.

[@bhawnaklair3681]

I'm so glade you are making this series and I'm really happy for your improvement. Nowadays the mental health topic is quite well known, but still many, including me, lack the courage to take that first step, because it's not well known what comes after you seriously consider to go and see a therapist. Your video helped to clarify it a lot and know i feel less anxious. Thank you!! Much love, Bhawna.

[@SammNelath]

By coincidence I called my GP earlier today to start getting myself some help. I’ve been quietly around for a while and love the videos! I’m very glad to get some assurance that I’m not alone and to get an idea about what may come next. Thank you!

[@luisapellettieri8916]

as someone who's been struggling with mental illness so a little over half of my life, I often forget to look back and appreciate how much progress I've actually made. Depression has this kind of magical way of making the past and the future seem sort of grey. This video really helped me to remember that I have made progress, that I should acknowledge that, and appreciate and validate all of the hard work I've done to make that happen. Thank you :)

[@aliyaqoob8857]

a pretty fantastic video. Our experiences are similar and it was nice to hear someone talk about it openly. Appreciate the honesty

[@phddiaries9293]

Sertraline gave me really bad stomach pains. I was on it for few months and then quit them. What really helped me with my mental health is leaving my cheating ex. As I started phd now im feeling very anxious and nervous and I dont want it to develop into the same mental health state i was in a year ago

[@SimonClark]

That sucks that you had such bad side effects! It definitely sounds like you're in a better place having left that relationship, but definitely invest some time in self-care at the start of the PhD. Be kind to yourself! And don't be afraid to ask for help, even if it's pre-emptive - the uni mental health services will want to hear from you. Best of luck :)

[@klokoloko2114]

@@SimonClark Did anybody told you that you look like Superman?

[@darrenparis8314]

Simon, I love your videos! I particularly like the way you communicate, even casually. As a fellow scientist and graduate school applicant, it is very refreshing.

[@lidoevera]

Hey Simon, I've also struggled with anxiety all through my master's and now that I've started my PhD... I'm happy that you've decided to see a therapist... I think it will completely change your life for the better. It certainly did that for me! Anxiety will probably never go away, but you can cope with it and live a regular life!

[@lilygreenall2837]

Thanks for making this! I've been watching your videos for a while - I was also doing a Ph.D. when you did most of your Ph.D. blogs. I've always struggled with anxiety and was terrified of seeking help because I was convinced that no one would believe me or take me seriously. I just had my first online therapy session the other day though and was really pleasantly surprised. It feels like a weight off to have finally sought help for myself and it's really important to encourage others to do the same so thanks for doing that!

[@saphiraschroers3996]

thank you for humanising yourself to us all! Good luck on your mental health journey

[@owlrose9802]

That wave analogy with sertraline is such a great way to put it!

[@ashleeskhan4075]

Thank you for this video Simon.

[@piotrarturklos]

This is so true, I've seen people all around me getting so much better after going to therapy, it seems almost miraculous.

[@Mj00291]

Suffering here as well ,it was denial but slowly accepted that I was depressed ,anxious and stressed and was physically affecting me. Isolation really worsened the situation ,but it's going to be okay . Small steps ,one thing at a time.

[@pranavnath8732]

Thanks for putting forward your condition! Helpful, Enlightening and Courageous!

[@DoctorBenc]

Best of luck Simon, we're all rooting for you man. Much love

[@mattjohnstondev]

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm glad you followed through with seeking help and that you are seeing benefits. De-stigmatizing is something people with reach can really do and I'm glad you did!

[@PiatraTare]

I’ve been suffering from mental health problems for years, and it obviously got worse with the lockdowns and curfews. I generally avoid talking about it with friends (I’m the « happy guy »), I don’t think anyone knows how bad it is. I’ve been entertaining the thought of ending it all more than usual lately. Thank you for using your platform to talk about this, it’s just what I needed today (especially the « it gets better » part).

[@lollsazz]

Not everyone with psychological issues are doing worse during lockdown, actually. A lot of people where I work say they get stressed out in crowds, and I work(ed) at an office where over 40 people were in one big room. Some people are very happy to work from home and spend more time with their family and neighbors

[@sanador2826]

I don't know you but I know the world is better with you in it!

[@Jorge_Pronto]

10:21 Thank you for sharing this to a broader audience. I feel like this is something that is often overlooked. Many times I hear people say things like "I don't need therapy because it is not that bad" is basically statements made from fear. Sharing this is brave and maybe the most educational thing I have heard you say so far on the channel.

[@scientifically_sarah]

Thanks for sharing your story Simon. Starting therapy as I began my MSC program was the best decision I’ve ever made, but I also definitely put it off.

[@Nazaroth013]

Thank you for this Simon. I am currently supporting someone going through something similar to you. I try my hardest but it’s always the best to hear from someone else who has gone through this as they have first hand experience. This has helped me a lot and I hope that it helps others too. Your closing words resonate a lot, putting your faith in others is a scary thing to do but it is a necessary step along this path that so many people walk and stumble along, often times without the help or support they need or deserve.

[@theittsco]

I'm glad you've found something that works for you. You have been one of my favorite KZbinrs for years now and following your journey through life has inspired me to be the best person (and physicist) I can be.

[@TheOnlyMrTransparent]

It's amazing how reflective your experiences have been to mine. This video makes me feel less scared about my position as well. Trying not to feel like I'm a fake is quite hard!

[@charliedebunc6289]

Stay strong Simon🙏🏽

[@sonia8535]

so happy you are good ... hope you continue these videos

[@kartikkarajgikar2846]

Love ya my dude! Glad you made this video and are honest and open to talking about mental health

[@greentechartbodera7913]

Well put. As someone who went through the process (several times) I can attest to the necessity and usefulness of doing so. Be strong 💪 it gets better and the external help does work!

[@blacknwhitenblue]

A very important topic, how to seek professional help and what to expect. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@TheGatewayProductions]

Awesome video! They should teach the importance of mental health in schools. Keep up the great work!

[@JamFilledDonut]

Reminded me to take my medication tonight, among helping suggest other things. Thank you!

[@barborahalova3514]

Thank you for commenting on the reality of a life with medication. A lot of journeys towards better mental health (including my own) got disrupted by the whole covid crisis & quarantining, I am glad to hear you found a way how to get help regardless.

[@shawcampbell7715]

I'm 18 and cannot afford therapy , but I'm trying to hammer in the idea that regular work is healthy (with breaks) and that work is not a negative thing. So many make work seem like such a pain , but work is what makes relaxing relaxing and life worth it.

[@jakobbank3416]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us :)

[@Mattym9287]

I’m glad you’re doing better Simon, I went on Sertraline about three years ago, I got a letter for jury duty and my anxiety became crushing, went to the doctor and that’s what he prescribed. It’s been fantastic but one warning for anyone out there, I tried to come off them (with GPs recommendation) and had the worst few weeks I’ve ever had. I was put straight back on but don’t do it without a doctors help. Hopefully it would stick but personally, it wasn’t fun.

[@ClaudeSac]

I only discovered, and subscribed to, you yesterday. I won't go into details about what I have experienced myself for the last four years, but I feel I understand what you are saying and I can connect to your experiences. The 'problem' with the capable minds, like yours, is that they inherently think there is a solution to any problem. And that they only have to find it. Oh, how I wish I could tell you how I came to accepting that control does not exist. You do not even get to decide what you will do in the next second, even though you may think you can prove otherwise. You do not control anything. Is that a sad conclusion, when you really have to accept that it is the truth? Nope. It is a conclusion and that is all. But ... I (and maybe you too) have learned to trust and love myself in the 53 years that I have existed as a sentient human being .. and in surrendering to that inevitable conclusion lies your freedom. Utter-, utter- freedom ... not easy and happy all the time, and it is (and will be) an ongoing process (probably) but it is your ultimate freedom to express your 'self', and your gateway to the change that life is. Life is change and you do not control any of it. If you know you are OK, (and I know I am) you get to play with that given. It can be amazing. And it puts the sadness in perspective. Wishing you well Simon.

[@chandlerkenworthy3185]

I've had a pretty crap time in the last week for many reasons and this video is what I needed the timing was impeccable.

[@cornevriends7081]

Hi Simon! It is immensely courageous of you to be this open about your mental health! I am certain this video (and the blogpost!) will help others along in their own journey. To quote David Foster Wallace to end this comment, I wish you way more than luck ;)

[@thelocalsage]

thank you Simon I need this resource!

[@HoboMeow]

Thank you for this video, I've been in and out of therapy for ~10 years and I've had all these feelings too. I'm glad you're getting some help and after years of being on meds, I am able to enjoy the highs more than I used to while avoiding the lows; it just takes some practice.

[@manuelcampagna7781]

As a depression patient, I empathize with you, Simon. I'm also Asperger. I receive first-rate help.

[@danjohnson7284]

i’ve just watched this after seeing it in my recommended after watching you some time ago around the time of your letter to yourself video, and i’m very glad you’re improving. i’ve been on a similar journey myself, every day is a day to do good by yourself. stay well Simon, you have a lot of very grateful fans, family and friends.

[@TheGingerBoy06]

Thank you for speaking about mental health on social media! I wish you the best, but be careful with the medication, the risk of addiction is real.

[@SyedRizvii]

Going through thesis resubmission phase and this captures the anxiety and depression cause really well...

[@mashematics7644]

Power to you for addressing something that most of us suffer with!

[@matthewbasnett7594]

A brilliant and honest video, thank-you for sharing and good luck I hope you feel more comfortable and happy in yourself over the coming years!

[@creativityjune3591]

Hi Simon thank you for sharing your mental health journey

[@einsteinisbae27]

Awesome stuff Simon, thanks for sharing - also struggled with my mental health too

[@darkone9206]

Nice to see your doing well Simon, another birthday passes for me, still too anxious, and other reasons, to get help but nice to see this update vid from you.

[@debaixodocobertor]

You're such an inspiration to me, Simon! This video is so important. It is reassuring that I can still be a smart and successful person and still go through things like this because they're just a part of the human experience. Thank you.

[@Daerux2]

Great to hear about your progress! And I totally agree with your description of sertraline reducing the amplitude! DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION I was on Sertraline for far too long for me personally (several years). But I totally recognise what you were talking about. At first it was bliss, but towards the end it really dragged me down. It's not a mental panacea, but it can save ones arse. I don't regret taking that medication, but I do wish I had tapered off sooner. I don't recommend doing so with consultation with medical etc. etc. Wish you all the best Simon!

[@catheosto]

Thanks for talking about this Simon.

[@DiogoSantos-dw4ld]

Thank you for sharing Simon, youve definitely helped countless people, I'm currently trying to work through my mental health as you did. Can anyone help me in how you go about starting a discussion with your GP about mental health? UK here

[@SimonClark]

So I booked an appointment without needing to specify what it was for, and when I went in I basically said that I'd been suffering from some mental health issues. The doctor then asked me to outline what symptoms I'd been experiencing, and took it from there. I didn't put any labels on what I'd been experiencing, the doctor gently suggested some labels like anxiety and depression. I guess the most important thing is just going in and starting by saying that you've been having some problems with your mental health, and let the doctor guide it from there. It's scary, but you can definitely do this!

[@pilotaddine]

Brilliant video! thanks for sharing ❤️❤️

[@zwerg8474]

„There is probably no more watching at this point.“ You know, it’s cool to listen to you :)

[@anonymouspenguin7118]

Thank you so much for sharing! Glad you feel like you are making progress!

[@KyleDB150]

I think I commented on your original mental health video about my own struggles during my PhD and part time tutoring/marking work. Can confirm its a slow path to fix things, especially when the problem affects the motivation to do that in the first place...

[@liammargetts]

Wonderful video again, even if this is quite a different tone and everything, you've done an awesome job. This video was interesting to watch especially since my girlfriend has depression and is on the same meds, though not entirely sure if they're working effectively yet, unfortunately they don't seem to be, but hey, that's just the wonderful world of antidepressants I guess. I have adhd myself and take medication for that, so I do have some understanding of mental health stuff, but there's definitely a large difference between the two problems. My meds don't need to build up, they last for just the day, they don't really affect my mood, so it's really quite different. Just wanted to thank you for the bit of insight on your experience on the meds and with CBT (doesn't seem to work well for my girlfriend either). Looking forward to your next one!

[@PremierCCGuyMMXVI]

My mental health has also been taking a hit the last year. But hopefully we all get through this.

[@samelliott698]

Thanks Simon

[@andyhartley]

All power to your elbow, dude!

[@DystopiaJunkie]

Things I love to see: this. ❤

[@peterdollins3610]

Good luck with all your problems from now on.

[@susim4503]

Thank you, Simon.

[@ameebhatt3588]

I know the exact same feeling that anxiety gives when you constantly look down upon yourself in your mind. Not everything is same for two different people suffering anxiety. To know that the fear of anxiety is real but the thought aren't. There is years of build up in the thought processes and at times its difficult to steer out of it... but I am extremely glad that you've found a way and because of this i was able to speak up too. Good luck to you.🙏👍👍 Also, you are partly responsible for me taking up physics as a major😁👍

[@linguistnerdogeek]

Thank you so much for being honest and open about this. I'd definitely love to hear about your experiences further. I like how you approach it scientifically too, explaining how medication affects the amplitude of the wave made it very clear to me :)

[@pilotintraining18ify]

I've been struggling for year's and have had drug anxiety. I was super worried about taking medication but you going on medication has given me the right amount of push to start. I'm still a little worried but this is day 1 of antidepressants and anxiety