My 5 steps explained

I thought it would be a good idea to make a seperate post to explain, because some people might not feel the need to know more and some people might so ^.^

Not giving up

Yeah a little cheesy, but hear me out. A problem for me over the years has been that the longer I've had to deal with mental illness, the more hopeless it has felt to find something that would work for me and this grew into a massive worry. I was already depressed but on top of that, with my other..err..situations (?) I just thought 'Ughh what are the chances of something working now?!'

I am SO glad that I persevered and kept trying to find the help that was suitable for me, despite how hopeless it felt.

Trust that good feeling will come as a result of your efforts

This was quite the lesson for me and it made a lot of sense - I actually felt a bit stupid when my CBT Therapist made this point, but when you're depressed your brain isn't working at normal capacity.

I was telling her how I never did anything because I didn't feel in the mood and she said 'You're depressed, you can't wait for the mood to come along because it won't.' It was like a switch went off in my head. Sometimes you need someone else to relay something back to you for you to see it at a different, clearer angle.

Put yourself in the situation despite not wanting to do it - if it is an old hobby or something you used to enjoy, throw yourself in and the good mood will come, believe it. It won't feel like it's working for a while, but give it time, you are battling an illness so of course you won't suddenly want to do everything again overnight.

Confiding in my GP

This was a very nerveracking thing to do and the feeling returns - at least, it did for me - when you have to change GP. I first went to a GP in uni about my mental health, I hadn't even had previous appointments with her, I literally registered and went as soon as I could because I was so tired of facing it by myself, I had just had enough.

You are GENUINELY anxious over NOTHING. People often say things like 'It's their job, it's what they do', 'They don't judge' - none of this I believed until after I left my appointment. I don't know what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised when her response to me was simple, professional questions about my circumstances and what was available. That's it! That is really what they are there for. I do still feel a little nervous going to the GP but that lessens with every appointment because they follow your progress and they understand better than anyone that an illness is an illness, wherever it lies in the body.

During my therapy, I have had to set an action plan into place if, in the future, I got to the point of putting my own life at risk and I decided that the GP is the first and most important person to go to.

Make the most of your friendships

I have felt tremendous guilt over how people around me have been affected and some I feel very close to who I never see because of the Agoraphobia and all else.

Just before Christmas I met up with my best friend who I love to bits and we agreed that we will hang out much more often. She knows everything about my situation and, having gone through her own mental illness struggles, she is so understanding and patient with me.

She has known me for 10 years and I now see her once a week, which means I get to spend time with her gorgeous little 3 year old! I get the best boost when I see her and after about a month my mood has been lifting steadily!

Small to do lists!

A little practical one to end with. This totally plays to my personality, I love organising, tidying, solving puzzles, doing jigsaws and writing lists - mainly to do lists.

For me personally, I love writing a to do list and that satisfying feeling of crossing something through and glowing that productive glow. Small to do lists are particularly healing at this time in my life because completing tasks on a to do list bears more meaning to me now than ever - it symbolises progress and moving forward for me.

This might not suit your personality, but you know you best so leave me a comment if you have any tricks or tips that have been a help to you!