Hello there, how are you feeling? Things are pretty much the same with me, no major changes to report. I'm not letting that get me down though, as I'm very aware that it's an ongoing battle and will not be fixed in a few days.
Today this blog post is going to be about support networks that are available to each and every person who is living with a mental health issue or anyone who is currently feeling a little lost. To be honest I know for a fact that my support network will not suit everyone, its not meant to and that's okay. Your support network is exactly that, YOURS! Find people or things that make you feel better also try to avoid negative people and things. (not always easy I know) Here's a list of mine:
FAMILY
Thankfully my family are very understanding with me, if I want to talk about how I'm feeling I know they are there. I don't really confide in my family and they tend to find out about my mental health journey through the blog. Its suits me far better this way believe it or not. I know each and every one of them are there if I ever need them.
So clearly still family I have to mention the hubs and my girls. I confide in my husband a lot and thankfully he never judges me for the way i feel. When he doesn't have the answers I need, there is always a cuddle and a cuppa to make me feel a bit better. Now my girls, honestly they make life hectic with their crazy wee ways and I never go a day not laughing my head off at them. Each day they give me enough kisses and hugs to last a lifetime. They are my sunshine!!
FRIENDS
I for one don't mind saying that I do not have a large group of friends and honestly I wouldn't have it any other way. The close knit of friends I do have are so very precious to me and have supported me so much for the last few years. Proper real friends are not easy to find. The friends that stand by you in hard times as well as good times are the ones you need and will help you so much more. Knowing you have the support from people who are not your family and are willing to listen to your troubles is PRICELESS!! They are there for you because they want to be!!
DOCTORS
Anything you say to your doctor is in private, there is no judgement from them and they can help you so much. Even if your only feeling a little lost, talk to your doctor because they can only advise you if they know something is wrong and trust me they CAN help. I have a lot to thank my doctor for, I was put on the correct medication and referred to a mental health professional. If I remained ashamed of how I was feeling and didn't go see my doctor years ago, I can honestly say I don't think I'd be here today. There is not a thing to be ashamed about. Its okay not to be okay!!!
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Now these people have no easy job but it is also no easy job finding the right one for YOU. I could give you the name of mine but its no good it really is trial and error. I honestly think you need to personally connect and feel completely comfortable with your counselor etc. I literally got it third time lucky. The first two counselors I had, were no doubt about it good at their job and unfortunately the connection wasn't there. I lied to them about how I was feeling or they said something to me and I would think how F#*king dare you. This is completely wrong and you should ask to be referred to another. This is your mental health so make sure you get it right.
STRANGERS
Now I know what your thinking, (WTF) but hear me out.
Have you ever been walking down the street and a stranger gives you a smile, says good morning etc. Well this is what I mean and I know I'm a rare being. But there is one stranger who helped me on a day I was really low and it meant the world to me. I was in a shop and got chatting to a woman. It was about nothing in particular, the usual weather, xmas, kids etc as I was about to leave the woman told me to please take care of myself then reached over and gave me a hug!! Usually I'd be a bit freaked out with stranger hugs but that day when I looked completely worn out and like crap, that glamorous stranger made me change my mind. So always be kind and smile you don't know who you could help.
Books/Kindle
I bet my husband is rolling his eyes at this one! HA!
This is my go-to support network. I love love love reading. If its not a magazine or a book then its some device with the kindle app downloaded to it. Reading for me helps me escape for a bit and it helps me relax. I would much rather cosy up with a book than watch tv. It keeps your mind active and is said to reduce stress. So why would you not want to read every day?
CHOCOLATE
I don't think i need to explain much more.. x
I really hope each one of you have a support network of your own as it makes a massive difference to your day to day life. Feel free to message me with any questions you have.
Stay safe, stay healthy and look after your sunshine.
xO Leonie
