“Why are you checking the front door again? This is the third time. We’ve locked it. I swear you’ve got OCD” A comment made by my ex-husband 15 years ago, but remembered negatively with crystal clarity even today. It wasn’t the first time I’d thought it, but it was the first time I’d heard it.Continue reading “Mental Illness – the OCD label”
Category Archives: mental wellbeing
The Chronic Pain Cyclone – Agony to Misery
I know I talk a lot, loads, infinitely, about pain. But, as anyone living with chronic pain will understand, it’s impossible to ignore. It imapcts and defines every second of your existence as you try and navigate life without making it worse. You wake up at night without a moment to feel dopey because theContinue reading “The Chronic Pain Cyclone – Agony to Misery”
Lack of locks – Hair loss and confidence
I want to be one of those people that isn’t bothered by my reflection. A person who promotes self-love and appreciation of the body, whatever form it takes. At home I talk to our daughter regularly about her beauty both inside and out. I ask her about the things she likes and dislikes about herselfContinue reading “Lack of locks – Hair loss and confidence”
Mental Illness – building self-worth through others
By the time this post is published I’ll be drowning in the weeks of grief that I go through every year at this time. The ‘death gauntlet’ doesn’t give me a break, it doesn’t get easier and it certainly doesn’t stop for other important things. It just adds to the pile. When I was thinkingContinue reading “Mental Illness – building self-worth through others”
Words
We all have a ridiculous amount of power available to us the second we wake up in the morning and engage our lips. The words we choose to say are important. They aren’t just letters and numbers in a particular order to be found in the Oxford English Dictionary. They are so compelling they canContinue reading “Words”
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?”
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”
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”
Creative Steph 