James Blake

We do not talk about it. But we are in a mental health crisis. The impact of COVID-19, widespread unemployment among the young and old and failing businesses have all exacerbated a silent but powerful health issue. It is only almost fifteen years into my career that I realized my mental health struggle began when I was young. I just did not understand what the symptoms meant and how they impacted me: crippling anxiety, a lack of self-confidence and a blurry view of the world surrounding me must be a me problem I thought. Stiff upper lip, I persevered and few if any noticed anything abnormal. Still, despite this, I was encouraged to push myself and reached the workplace earlier than many — perhaps with hindsight too early, at the tender age of 21. It was a train-wreck. I was not prepared.