Has anybody never struggled with their mental health?

[Electroliz]

Personally I have struggled with my mental health ever since I had my kids and have been on medication for it for 16 years now. My sister on the other hand has never struggled with her mental health and says that although she gets down she can identify why and know what to do to fix herself sleep, food, exercise and so on. She also does yoga and meditation daily and has since her early 20's. I think she feels sad at times and suffers emotionally like everyone does and she has had very difficult painful things in her life but unlike me her mind doesn't drag her down into a pit she can't climb out of. When I get depressed, or anxious it is like nothing can stop me going down even if I am able to reason out why I feel that way I don't feel like I can control it. We had the same up bringing, parents so I wonder why why are so different in that respect, neither of out parents seem to struggle either.

I know lots of people do really struggle with their mental health and I often feel like more people struggle than not but perhaps that is not the case.

If you have never struggled with your mental health why do you think that is?

Most people struggle at some point in their lives. Just a case of getting on with it, or, if you can't, then get medical help.

I’ve had the normal ups and downs but nothing clinical. I’ve worked in MH for a very long time and have definitely learned a lot from people and different types of therapy etc that I’ve used with people. This has definitely helped. Probably the best thing I ever did was a Wellness Recovery Action Plan, it’s definitely kept me on the right side of ‘well’.

I also think that working in the field gives me perspective on the fact that if I’m feeling low it’s not the end of the world.

Nope, not struggled (yet!). That doesn't mean I haven't experienced normal sadness (e.g. grief) or worry about money, bad bosses etc. But never for long.

I think it's a combination of things - I haven't exactly had a charmed life, but nothing too awful has befallen me or family (usual parental divorce, bullying, child with SEN but none of it terrible). But I'm also ruthlessly pragmatic and if anything goes wrong I plan like mad to resolve the situation. I'm not given to introspection and neither are my family (I don't think navel gazing is terribly good for anyone), and I don't have any learnt behaviour (like anxiety, which can be learnt) from family.

I've also never really cared what other people think of me, which helps a lot I think, because I don't allow their opinion to make me feel worse. And I've also challenged myself quite a lot with travel and other things which builds resilience.

My brother has never had any issues either.

I exercise a lot and eat quite well. I've sought out workplaces I enjoy.

But the main thing is probably luck, isn't it? That's all. Don't beat yourself up.

@Croissantsandpistachio My sister says she only really introspects while writing /journaling because at least then you don't tend to go round in circles or end up just thinking the same negative thoughts over and over never getting anywhere and because you are writing the tendency to make a narrative to lead solutions. I have tried this and it does help but it feels very difficult to even write when I feel that way.