My many faces of feeling unwell. Let me begin by saying this is not a sympathy post.
Today on #worldmentalhealthday, I would like to share my journey with you.
I have had many challenges in my life. And many of us do. Some were in my control and some I questioned God’s control.
All of these pics have been taken During Phases of my life were I felt I could not move further. Where I felt I had no strength to even pick up the towel to throw it in. I reached a point where I felt no one would understand how I felt. Having gone through a double tragedy and living away from all family who were grieving can consume you. There were days were my hair was a big ball of knotted mess. Where I repainted my face feeling absolutely ugly. Days where I felt I had nothing to wear after emptying my wardrobe on my bed.
The taste of food had become the same. I had to find my deeper purpose.
When we hide our feelings, we start lying to ourselves that everything is fine. No. It’s not fine. Take a step back and realise it’s not fine. Just because it’s not fine now, does not mean it will not get better.
We all have that seed of strength and the seed of fear within us. We need to feed the seed of strength and let it grow.
When we feed the seed of fear, we become anxious. We apologize for everything. Even when we are not wrong. We doubt our ability and our purpose.
Do not force yourself. Things take time. In the same breath, do not ignore your feelings.
Tips to heal.
1) reach out to someone who you feel safe confiding in. Not someone who will compete or gossip.
2) your mental health is important. If you break your toe, you would seek medical advice and professional help. The same should be for your mind.
3) there is something beautiful in each day find it. From the colours of nature, music, your smile.
4) declutter. When you feel overwhelmed, you hoard and struggle to let go. Then you feel overwhelmed with all the extra things taking up space. Decluttering has an amazing feel good effect.
5) move. Move about. Dance in your room! Even if it is a 10 minutes walk. This gets the endorphins going and is a natural feel good.
6) nutrition. Eat properly and take your vitamins.
7) as Depeche mode sing. ‘ reach out and touch faith’ reach out and feel your faith. Look at the things you had faith in rather than people. People will come and go in our lives.
8 When things in our mind feels overwhelming, write them down. Once you read this back, you will find that they are not as bad as you initially thought.
9) take a few minutes out every couple of hours to take in a few deep breaths. When we feel anxious, our breathing patterns change and we don’t get as much oxygen in as we should.
10) remember that you are incredible. If an 8year old child feels vulnerable and overwhelmed, you would speak kindly to the child and offer a solution, tenderness and patience. Offer the same to you.
All my love. Whatever you do, remember you are not alone. You are not unique nor weird for going through things. You are stronger than you remember. I wish you good mental health and happy days.
