Mental Health Awareness Week 2015

I'm pretty sure I wrote a similar post to this last year, that probably makes little sense to anyone. That was before I'd been diagnosed with depression; I was suffering, but I didn't really know why or what to do. Things got progressively worse throughout 2014, and I finally sought help the day before Christmas Eve. I'd like to say I'm on the path to recovery, and I really hope I am - but I have no doubt in my mind that it's gonna be a long hard journey. I've opened my eyes and I can see the light flickering in the distance, at the end of a tear-stained rainbow, and I know I'll get there eventually.

I'm lucky, because I have faith in myself, because I've been brought up to know that times get rough but you'll get there in the end. I'm also unlucky, because my lifestyle doesn't allow me the "luxury", for want of a better word, although it absolutely isn't, of spending my days in bed with snacks and Netflix when my mental health is at an all time low. I'm two thirds of my way through a degree, and now have a part time job in a cafe (I'm on Sam's MacBook and don't know how to get the fancy accents above letters...) I feel as though my mental health is now third down the line of importance, and that's a hard thing to deal with.

Most mornings, I can't think of anything worse than getting out of bed and getting on with whatever I have to do that day; there's a physical ache in my bones that holds me back. But another part of me whispers in my ear that staying in bed all day isn't going to solve the problem. I don't really know what I'm trying to say here. Things work differently for everyone; I know my depression would be worsened if I didn't push myself, but for some people that's how they cope - and that's okay too. No two people are the same, and we all deal with things in different ways.

What I will say, though, is that it's exponentially important to get help of some sort. Be that medication or therapy, whether a lot of trial and error is involved, don't let fear stop you from getting the medical help that you both need and deserve. If you had a chest infection, you'd be straight to the doctors getting antibiotics to cure it. And while there's no quick fix for mental illnesses, 99% of the time there's something that can be done. Nobody's saying it will be easy, but if you don't try you'll never know.

Depression is not mascara tracks running down your cheeks and Lana Del Rey lyrics scrawled on your hands in biro. Depression is ugly, and it's terrifying, and it's sleepless nights with sweat on the back of your neck. Get help, and surround yourself with positivity and people who love you. There are people out there who would do anything to see you get better.

MIND Charity
Rethink Mental Illness
SANE MentalHealth
YoungMinds

Sorry if you're at all fed up of reading about mental health, but if you are, unfollow me. The conversation is only just beginning.

Dealing With Stress

I'm the sort of person who stresses out a lot, keeps it all bottled up and then every so often I just explode. Luckily I have people around me who can sort-of put up with it, but it can be hard.

I think it's important to rationalise a situation before you start to feel stressed. Ask yourself if there is realistically anything you can do to change what's happening/is going to happen, and if there isn't then you have to accept that and let it be. Think about the situation logically and work out what steps you can take to avoid any dramas. If there is a solution - take control of it. Feeling in control is always helpful, but if there really isn't anything you can do then keep telling yourself 'what will be, will be'.

If there are a number of events coming up that you know will cause you to feel stressed, making lists can be really helpful. That way you can check off each stressful thing as it occurs, and keep looking back to see the stress you have overcome.

Talk to someone; a problem shared is not always a problem halved, but never feel like you're burdening anyone by talking to them. Most of the time, people will be happy to help and they might even come up with a solution that your stress blocked you from seeing yourself. You might also need to seek out professional help, for instance by scheduling sessions with a licensed therapist or by visiting an ED Clinic Bloomfield Hills (or a similar clinic in your local area). This is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and is instead something that can be vital in terms of recovering from stress!

Have some "me time" - as cliché as this sounds, simple relaxation time like a walk on the beach or a long bath can do wonders to de-stress your life and help you remain calm. Exercise helps too, as well as drinking enough water and getting all your vital nutrients. Pampering treatments can help minimise stress; searching for a facial near me in Henderson, NV for example can allow you to find the perfect place to go for some time out. And you'll walk away glowing, meaning you'll feel a tiny bit better...

Put things in perspective. I'm not the sort person who believes that you can't have it bad just because someone else has it worse - but try to remember that in a lot of cases, it could definitely be worse. Remain positive, and tell yourself things will get easier. "There are better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S.Lewis.

Don't turn to unhealthy habits like smoking, drugs or excessive drinking - these things are not only bad for your general health but they add more stress to your life, creating money worries and affecting relationships with your friends, family and colleagues/peers. CBD, however, is a great way to release stress and curb anxiety without being damaging to your body. A great way to take it is with gummies; CBD gummies UK stockists, as well as stockists around the world, have them all over the internet and they aren't too expensive either!

Hopefully these tips will help a few of you in any stressful situations; just remember that nothing lasts forever and things that seem absolutely HUGE now, won't matter in a few years.