If COVID-19 happened a year ago, it would have broken me
A year ago, OMD’s Elizabeth Blaker was struggling with obsessive behaviour around food, exercise, and routine. Here, she explains why even those who are there to help – she’s the agency’s people and development manager – also need help sometimes, and aren’t immune to the impacts of mental illness.
Content warning: This opinion piece discusses exercise and food behaviours, and mental health
COVID-19. A time in our lives during which it is understandable and acceptable to feel anxious, uncertain and overwhelmed. However, somehow, I have felt resilient, open and calm.
12 months ago, had you thrown COVID-19 my way, I would have crumbled. Past me was anxious, routine-driven, a perfectionist, desperate to finding control and, if I am truly honest with myself, depressive. The constant need to be perfect and high achieving was a never-ending battle.
Thank you Lizzie for speaking up on a topic that often goes unspoken about. Well done and we are lucky to have you! Aims
Thank you for opening up publicly on this, Elizabeth! Your experiences will definitely give hope and inspiration to those in the industry who are going through similar struggles. Hope you and the fam are keeping and coping well!
As a colleague (and friend), I had no idea until just now that you’ve been going through a challenging time. But I’m not surprised at your honesty and clear desire to put this out there in the interests of helping even just one person. Everyone needs help sometimes and I think you’re very brave.
Proud of you for sharing and owning this part of your journey.
“The only person that was judging me was me.” This line is going to stick with me.
Extremely honest and powerful article piece Liz. Big love
Thanks for being so open and sharing your experience, this is an important story for people to hear.
A raw and honest piece. Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration!
What a great article – thank you. Employee assistance programs are such a brilliant and often underutilized benefit. Thanks for showcasing that the first hard step can really pay off.
Amazing amazing Lizzie. It takes a lot of courage to be so honest. We’re so lucky to have you! X
What a beautiful human you are to share your honesty with us
Your story will help others
Thank you
Thank you for sharing. Courageous and honest. I had anorexia in my 20s, and I can relate to the control aspect of your story. There’s a lot of stigma and misinformation when it comes to mental illness, and raw accounts like yours help to bring light and understanding to these complex issues. To anyone out there who is currently suffering, and I’m sure there are a lot of you, take some time to be present and honest with yourself – if you can. Sit with your feelings. Meditation helps. Don’t give up. Things will get better. Believe in yourself.
I agree with the commentator above – EAP’s are such underutilized programs, but make amazing assistance available at no cost. Glad to see you’ve gotten through this, and good on you for sharing – the more we talk about this, the more we’ll help others
Hi Elizabeth
Really impressed by the genuine honesty of your story. Thanks for sharing. In your role it gives you enormous credibility as i see it.
Lizzie, I’m so glad I stumbled across this. Having worked with you, I know what a beautiful person you are inside and out. Your courage and honesty here is selfless and I’m so pleased you’ve had the support to find more inner peace. And that’s one of the most valuable things we all have. Thanks for being you.
Elizabeth, this is a wonderful read and a demonstration of vulnerability that hopefully will show others the benefits of being kind to yourself.
Proud of you Lizzie x
You should be so proud of yourself Lizzie.
This is from the heart, honest and brave.
Thank you for talking about such an important topic. We love working with you.
Thank you for sharing your story. I can totally relate. Another thing I learnt when experiencing challenges with PND was ‘this too shall pass’. Sounds obvious but it’s important when the anxiety is all consuming it’s important to stop and remember it won’t always be this way.
Darling Lizzy, asking for help or saying ‘no, I am not OK’ requires the biggest strength which you have!!! You are an amazing woman, I am so proud of you for sharing your story!! Lots of love flying your way all the way from London xx
PS: OMD Sydney also supported me at tough times and made me a stronger person which I will be grateful forever!!!
Wonderful article, Elizabeth. Just by being honest (and public) about your struggles you’ll have empowered so many others to accept their own struggles and accept that it’s normal to need help. Well done 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story! Well done on being brave enough to seek help and inspiring others to do the same.
Thank you for this uplifting read & insightful reminders. I love your final 5 points, a refreshing reminder.