Mental health has been in the headlines more than ever and we all understand why eh!
I believe it is so important to be honest about our mental health.
It's so easy to look around and think everyone has everything sorted and it's only you who is struggling.
Well I'm here to say ....
I suffer from anxiety and depression
It's something I've probably suffered with all my life but it really started to impact me in 2005.
I have a family history of serious mental health issues, which impacted my childhood. I also have a bit of a perfectionist, Type A personality and I've always been a little more stressed and emotional.
Luckily I was able to get help. Though it took a while and a few doctors!
I'm now on antidepressants and they have helped me live a 'normal' life. I'm continuing to deal with my underlying issues, day by day.
Let's face it we all have issues!
Most of us just muddle along.
It's only when you reach a point of crisis that you are forced to deal with things. A breakdown is the body's way of saying ENOUGH.
You have to stand back, take stock and make changes.
My mental health issues lead to me leaving my career as a Public Librarian, which had been incredibly stressful due to all the austerity cuts in Councils, and in time lead to me setting up Mokshatrim.
I am so much happier and healthier as a result.
I wish I could teach people what I have learned.
The need to be aware that:
we all have an inner critic and not to listen to it too much
when our body tells us we are knackered and need a rest it’s ok to rest
we are good at being kind to others but often fail to be kind to ourselves
none of us are superman/superwoman!
mental health issues are NOT a sign of weakness.
mental health issues are VERY COMMON. You are not suffering alone.
poor mental health does not mean you are stupid!
I try to:
relax more
have a routine
not to do too much
be creative
plan to take breaks during busier times
be aware of my stress levels and how my body feels
switch off at weekends and in the evenings
stop using my phone, iPad, computer at least an hour before I go to bed
take time to observe and appreciate my surroundings
practise mindfulness a few times a day
go for a walk everyday
give my animals lots of hugs
meet and chat with friends and family
These tools have all helped me. I hope they help you.
To anyone who is struggling at the moment.
I'm sending out a huge hug.
I’m always available for a chat.
Check out these familiar faces, from different walks of life, that suffer(ed) from mental health issues.
Image Rights:
Abraham Lincoln - (Creative Commons)
Winston Churchill - (Creative Commons) BiblioArchives / LibraryArchives
Lady Gaga - (Creative Commons) credit Nick Sag Awards 2019
Harrison Ford - (Creative Commons) credited to Gage Skidmore
Dwayne Johnson - (Creative Commons) credited to David Shankbone
Michelle Obama - (Creative Commons) credited to Tim Pierce
Gillian Anderson - (Creative Commons) Martin Kraft, Gillian Anderson Berlinale 2017, CC BY-SA 3.0
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