Learning More About Mental Health

I am currently studying online with ALISON and I have to tell you, I'm having a lot of fun! the two courses that I am currently undergoing are diploma in mental health studies and mental health & illness. Its so flexible and so everything that I learn I can do at my own pace and I get to learn in my own way.

Improving my knowledge on mental health will help me not just with this blog but with my career prospects....yes, I have finally decided what I want to do! My career choice is as a Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Worker, and combining this with Perks Of Recovery, I am so happy that I will be able to make a difference.

This time last year I never thought that I would know what I want to do. My life was a mess because of my illness' and I couldn't see a way out. It was actually July last year when I first went for help for my depression, self harm and anorexia. It was only when I got the diagnosis of all of those along with anxiety that I felt like I could maybe get better. It has been a long and painful road and though I know I'm no where near the end of this journey I am SO grateful for the things that it has taught me. I now have new friends that I love to talk to, I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile, my friendship with Alyssa has strengthened and now I have career prospects.

Don't give up, sometimes there really is a silver lining in every cloud (cheesy, I know)
Stay Strong
-Louise xoxo

p.s. I have an assessment for my suitability to CBT on Friday!!!!!

Alternatives To Self Harm: Love Spreader

Twitter user @thelovespreader made an amazing video for people to watch then they are feeling the urge to self harm.

She encourages us to resist the urge to self harm, as it will get easier and easier for us to stop the more we resist the urge. The first time we resist the urge is the start of it getting better. If we can do it once, we can do it again and again until we've fully recovered! :-)

The also talks about what to do instead of self harming;

• Talk to your friends/family.
• Watch one of your favourite movies, eat snacks and chill.
• Clean your room whilst playing some music - a great way to distract yourself!
• Draw, paint, be creative - it's a great way to release your feelings and emotions.
• Embrace your feelings - it's ok to cry. Cuddle up in bed, cry if you need to, release all of your negative energy and relax yourself - don't let it build up.
• Think of all of the people that have ever been kind to you - imagine that they're surrounding you with love and kindness.

I really enjoyed this video, and I hope everyone else does! Make sure you follow her on twitter. She's such a kind and beautiful girl, who is spreading love to those who need it. Thank you!

- A