Bad Days

This wasn't the post I was expecting to write next as I'm recently back from my first solo holiday in Edinburgh, and I wanted to write a review of those few days.  But I felt compelled to write the following after having a few bad days last week after returning home.

When you suffer from mental health problems, it's important to remember that a bad day can just be that, a bad day.  It doesn't necessarily mean you're possibly on the precipice of slipping into another hole.

On those bad days, do what self-care you need to get through the day and get yourself to bed, quite possibly earlier than usual and know that you may very well wake up and feel a little bit better in the morning.  

By self-care, I mean doing things that make you happy, that help to make you feel a little bit better to lift your mood.  Things like; playing music, playing a musical instrument, singing, dancing, going to the gym, doing some yoga, meditating, taking a nap, journaling about your thoughts and feelings, watching a DVD or a box set, talking to a friend, getting outside in the fresh air and going for a walk, eat what you fancy: a cake or ice cream - or both ...  I'm sure you get the idea.  As long as it's safe and legal. 

If you do some of these things for a few days and you don't feel like they're helping, please please please please please ask someone for help.  It isn't a sign of weakness to ask for help, it's a sign that you've been strong on your own for too long.  Ask your doctor for help, ask a friend or family member, contact Mind or The Samaritans or Google the local mental health organisations in your area.  

It’s about perspective.  When we feel crap and we are often likely to wallow and hide from the world and those we love and who love us, when they’re the last things that we should be doing because before we know it we’re on a downward spiral of self-pity.  What we need to do is get up out of bed or off the sofa, get moving, get outside, call or text a friend or family member and say that we’re having a low day.  

Just know that you aren't alone and that you are loved.

You are so loved.