When Covid and LOW self-confidence collide

I’ve mentioned a few times that I managed to get Covid-19 thanks to the school-based germs of our daughter. My immune system is low, so the effects of Covid have been amplified. For several weeks I’ve struggled to eat, drink, talk, move, and at one point my breathing became a big problem too. Doctors foundContinue reading “When Covid and LOW self-confidence collide”

Mental illness – do we need to break down to build back up?

********** Trigger warning – this post will talk about mental illness and crisis situations. I will discuss my own mental illnesses and the circumstances of others (including the outline of a suicide attempt) as part of the explanation, followed by coping systems and support networks. If you are struggling with mental health then, rather thanContinue reading “Mental illness – do we need to break down to build back up?”

Missing something you never had…

***Trigger warning*** This post is specifically about the feeling of loss as a parent. I’ll talk about failed IVF, failed adoption, infertility, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and similar subjects that may be upsetting. If you feel you need support either with your mental health or you want help after becoming unexpectedly unexpectant, then visit my supportContinue reading “Missing something you never had…”

Cogito, ergo sum. Staying present through mental illness.

As I delve deeper into the end stages of my degree learning, I’m also delving deeper into mental illness support, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. As a result of my decision to learn about mental illness, I’m also forced to delve deeper into my own mind, and try to translate the madness within coherently. ItContinue reading “Cogito, ergo sum. Staying present through mental illness.”

Finding purpose with mental illness – reflections and intentions

Someone wrote to me on social media recently and reminded me how important it is to be myself on here. Internally I believe that means I should be honest, open and sometimes vulnerable. Up to now I thought I was doing exactly that, but when I looked closely I realised ‘Steph’ has become a littleContinue reading “Finding purpose with mental illness – reflections and intentions”

Friendship…with caution

I bleat on incessantly about the lack of real people in my life. Friendships are no longer the emotional rollercoaster I used to navigate. Instead I experience silence, and sometimes I just have to find a way to be ok with it. So why have I turned into such a recluse? Does agoraphobia alone giveContinue reading “Friendship…with caution”

The Red Box and the Green Fox

What a busy few weeks it’s been. And I’m talking about busy in my terms…nothing like the real level of business you ‘normal’ folk manage that I’d never keep up with. The death of the queen, upsetting news for my partners family, our daughters birthday and a sharp increase in my pain (including a pressureContinue reading “The Red Box and the Green Fox”

Crap poems part 11 – Coping

Welcome to another entry to my series of ‘Crap Poems’. With the news in the media being so bleak, and the weather impacting my joints pretty badly, I’ve found myself struggling to hold it together recently. Most days are tearful, with an internal struggle to decipher what’s most important – brain, bills, body or beingContinue reading “Crap poems part 11 – Coping”

Mental Resilience for Championship Failures

It takes an army to build and maintain good mental health and well-being. As I’ve said many times before, we can only effect real change with help at every level, including down here at grass roots. At least, that’s what I believe. Helping those around you and being actively aware of mental struggle being enduredContinue reading “Mental Resilience for Championship Failures”