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My Anxiety Update - Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is mental health awareness week and if you’re a regular reader of the blog then you will know I’m all about raising the awareness and trying to normalise the discussion of mental health issues.


I have mental health, so do you and just like any part of the human body, the mind can also get sick and require attention. We have become a society that views mental health issues as taboo, something to be hidden away and not talked about and for anyone who has suffered will know that this can sometimes make the situation worse and add even more strain on the individual.


blonde woman

You can find some of my earlier posts on my experience HERE but this post is a much needed update on my journey. I started noticing a little relapse in my anxiety around October this year, this was after I stopped taking my medication as I was feeling better and soon understood that it was the medication helping me and I needed to return to them.


It wasn’t easy though, I had to start the bumpy journey of adjusting back on medication and it was taking longer than I remember. I then had a run in with a very unhelpful doctor that set me back a bit but now things seem to be looking up.


I have been taking 40mg of fluoxetine everyday (and remembering) for a few months now and I’m feeling much more myself. The side effects have gone completely and I am settled.

The thing is with this medication is that I don’t completely stop feeling and at times I can sense my anxiety in the back of my mind at the moments I would have turned into a mess before. Like an afterthought or a passing idea in my mind but it no longer controls it and takes over my emotions for days. I still have those high anxiety feeling after drinking but my anxiety towards my other triggers have dulled. When both my children fell ill a few weeks ago, I was a lot calmer and felt more in control of the situation that I had in years.


My children getting sick is a massive trigger for my anxiety, it leads to some dark, intrusive thought about their health that I struggle with. Some may look at it and think it’s an overreaction, that I am faking but you just have to ask my husband how much it affects me.


It can be completely debilitating when at its peak and makes it almost impossible for me to function. This didn’t happen this time, though I was still on edge I felt I coped.


I have also taken a massive step back from Instagram. I was finding the place becoming a little too toxic for me and that it wasn’t being used how I wanted it too. I stopped worrying, fussing, and decided just to post whatever the hell I wanted and keep my stories upbeat and only discuss the lows I was feeling if I was feeling them at the time of the videos. I have noticed a big shift in my engagement from this (and hashtags apps have been a godsend) and I feel positive I am doing the right thing by ditching any Ads from my grid, I don’t think people want to see them anymore. I tell you all, I think the end is nigh for Instagram.


With my mood at an all-time high and my anxiety the lowest it has been in years, I have been more productive and happy in my day to day living.


cherry blossom

I know that at times things seem chaotic. Maybe your job doesn’t make you happy, your anxiety is destroying you, and your finances are causing all kinds of worry. You are spinning a lot on plates just now. Maybe you aren’t thinking these things, but I’m sure you’ve been down about something. We deal with a lot every day. We all have our own struggles, our own issues, and sometimes things don’t turn out the way you want them to.

It’s okay to say that you’re not okay. Your feelings and emotions are valid. They matter.

Remember: everything will be okay if we love and believe in ourselves, and understand that help is there if we need it.


If you're experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, there are lots of places you can go to for help.


Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)


Provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.



Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday) or text 86463


Mind provides confidential mental health information services.

With support and understanding, Mind enables people to make informed choices. The Infoline gives information on types of mental health problems, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy. Mind works in partnership with around 140 local Minds providing local mental health services.



Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (9.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday)

Provides expert advice and information to people with mental health problems and those who care for them, as well as giving help to health professionals, employers and staff. Rethink also runs Rethink services and groups across England.



Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm)


Saneline is a national mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them.



Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (11am-11pm, free to call)

Crisis Support: Text 'THEMIX' to 85258.


The Mix provides judgement-free information and support to young people aged 13-25 on a range of issues including mental health problems. Young people can access the The Mix's support via phone, email, webchat, peer to peer and counselling services.



Telephone: 0800 1111


ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor for free about anything - no problem is too big or too small.




Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. Elefriends is run by Mind.


If you're a carer needing support you can contact all of the above as well as Carers Direct and the Carers Trust, both of whom are able to provide support and advice on any issues affecting you.


What should I do if I'm supporting someone in a crisis?

If the person seems really unwell, and you are worried about their safety, you should encourage them to seek help.

 
 
 

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