LETS TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
Article by Steven Toy, NPHTA Vice Chair and Trade leader of Cannock Chase Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Liaison Group
WE NEED TO LOOK AFTER OURSELVES
According to Mind, in any given year, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health issue, most commonly depression, anxiety or a combination of both. According to government sources, there are around 330,000 licensed drivers in England and I consider it to be a reasonable presumption that at least a quarter of that number will be suffering from a mental health issue during the course of this year. That is over 80,000 of us.
Let that sink in for a moment.
Given the statistics alone, there should be no stigma attached to mental health at all and it should be treated like any other illness.
Some of you reading this article right now will likely be suffering from some combination of anxiety and depression. Given our natural fight or flight response, which evolved to protect us from immediate threats, and the stress hormone called cortisol, if your depressed/anxious feelings become too overwhelming or prolonged, you may experience actual physical symptoms, some of which will likely mimic those of more serious conditions, even though it is extremely unlikely that there is anything seriously physically wrong with you.
However, the nature of anxiety and depression being what they are, you will begin to wonder if there is something physically wrong and a vicious cycle may then commence. Negative thoughts generate unpleasant physical sensations, which in turn, give rise to more negative thoughts. You may experience a panic attack, which can have numerous symptoms from tingling or burning sensations in your hands, feet and/or numbness around your mouth or even in just one finger! You may feel tightness in your chest, light- headed, nauseous, short of breath, become very hot and sweaty, or the complete opposite; cold and shivery as though you are coming down with a virus. Such attacks may come in waves or fade away within half an hour or so.
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As long as you don't have thoughts of harming yourself, others or have suicidal thoughts, neither doctors nor your licensing authority will have any reason to take away your livelihood.
For this reason, go to your doctor or mental health practitioner if there is one at your surgery. There are some very effective treatments that don't necessarily involve medication. There are talking therapies that will help you to break that negative thoughts - sensations - negative thoughts vicious cycle and alter your thinking style.
You need to get your life back because it really is worth living. However awful things may seem or feel right now, those feelings will pass, but you may need help in shifting them.
Also, you need to ensure that you get enough rest, sleep, exercise and eat nutritious food. Don't neglect your work/life balance, ensure that you have support networks in place and spend quality time with your nearest and dearest. Avoid people who make you feel drained, and remember:
You were not put on this earth just to run people from one place to another all day and every day for little reward. Your life is precious. Live it!
Finally, for avoidance of doubt where mental health is concerned, I am writing from personal experience. Where there is no stigma, there is no shame, and I've been a taxi driver for over 28 years.
MARCH 2023 PHTM
Let me assure you, this may happen while you are driving your taxi or doing your shopping. You may become very self-conscious at the time, thinking that your passengers or bystanders notice. Unless they are fellow sufferers, in which case they will be sympathetic, this is very unlikely.
Remember that, as unpleasant as these feelings and physical sensations may be, they will not actually cause you any harm. They are caused by fear rather than being a reason to be fearful.
ARE YOU SAFE TO DRIVE?
Yes. When in a state of heightened anxiety, you are extremely alert and your reaction times are primed. Having said that, if you are worrying about something, this may affect your concentration and your memory.
IF I SEEK HELP, WILL THEY TAKE MY BADGE OFF ME?
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