Post by Gonçalo Moreira Neves

🎢My Journey with Depression and Shame🥉 Battling depression has challenged my perspective on work, mental health and the importance of understanding shame, courage and bravery. I'm sharing my story to be coherent with myself, challenge the stigma and encourage others to embrace vulnerability. I've been struggling with depression for the past few months. It's been hard, but I'm finding strength in life's joyous moments (grateful for having many). I am sharing this as a call to action. In my professional life, I often wear masks that hide my struggles. The stigma around emotional, spiritual, and mental health or crises remains a barrier that many of us face, silently and alone. Understanding what causes those in my well-being is important, but it's not the sole reason for experiencing illnesses or challenges. Depression can occur even without specific triggers, and that's OK. I am part of the stigma because although I want to reduce it, I struggle with vulnerability. My voice trembles, my legs shake, and my heart pounds "beats per second." I feel #shame. Therefore, some part of me still believes it isn't OK to be vulnerable and display vulnerability; I still perceive it as a weakness instead of a strength. I must change that too! 📚Major Learnings🧘‍♂️ ✔ Support systems are critical: family (my life partner Juliette Gaussem, cousin/sister Maria João Carneiro Simões), friends (Ricardo Brito, Nikki Wood, Romeu Santos, Laura Alho), colleagues (Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) and special kudos to my manager Niels Kortstee for seeing beyond my tiredness) and professional help (Laura Alho, Paula van Grieken, Raquel Martins Ferreira, Ricardo Kühni Fernandes). And many, many others. ✔ It's OK not to be OK: I must help normalise the conversation around mental health. ✔ Resilience is a muscle: like any muscle, Resilience strengthens with practice. Every challenge I face and overcome adds to my mental fortitude. ✔ Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary. ✔ I am worthy even when doing nothing (ouch 😊). That's a tough nut to crack. ✔ I can work and be productive while struggling with mental illness! With the proper support and medication, I can continue performing professionally. Some DATA to raise #mentalhealthawareness: https://bit.ly/47kav6U. As I return to my professional journey, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and empathy. I am more committed than ever to fostering an environment where mental well-being is prioritised and where conversations around mental health are open, free from judgment without the need to feel #shame. To anyone struggling silently, know that 👬YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is strength in seeking help and Resilience in the journey back.🏋‍♀️ Warm regards and a great 2024 ahead! #mentalhealthmatters #health #innovation born from #failure #learning #vulnerability #inclusion #IGSwork #mentalhealthfirstaider ❗Dr. Brené Brown https://bit.ly/3TGWlK5 https://bit.ly/3vf7F5M❗ The New Happy 🙏, Headspace🧘‍♂️

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