Underneath The Mask

Taking a Break When I first decided to create a blog surrounding the topic of metal health, when I first decided to write partial clips of my own journey...my aim was to help others. By way of encouragement or support, presenting an understanding due to personal experiences, explain methods, techniques, medication and aid that has helped me; which may help someone else.  But unfortunately due to events this year starting exactly Christmas Eve last year, my mental health has deteriorated...and continues to do so.  I am free falling.   So due to this I need to put my years of experience into stronger use, to repeat my routines and keep myself on track.  I need to go away and concentrate on improving my current state of mind, as I am hurtling backwards.  But don't worry Angels because I am a typical woman...stubborn.  So as I say a temporary goodbye (as I may not post again for a while) i'd like to make sure this is not the end. ...

Art Therapy One of my many coping strategies/distraction techniques is art therapy. With 10 years of Photography experience behind me; including a BA Honours degree, participating in photo-shoots and projects can equal a great level of satisfaction. However conjuring up the energy and motivation for that is proving difficult lately to say the least, and I don't perform as many shoots as I used to.  So recently I have been colouring in (like the cool kid I am), using adult colouring books and printable colouring pages, I sit and escape for a little while. And when I finish its a nice accomplished feeling.  If I am out and about, there are some pretty cool apps I have downloaded on my Iphone, for colouring and cross-stitch. They are good for those moments of free time when I am not in the comfort of my own home. To others it just looks like I am playing on my phone in my own little bubble. Other good methods of art therapy; when you lack energy fo...

All Angles It's ok, to not be ok It is hard to overcome something, when there are so many things to overcome at once. For a while, this year especially, the tragedies have been occurring like a long line of falling dominoes. It seems never ending.  It encourages my mental health to deteriorate, I can feel it. I absolutely hate admitting 'defeat' as I am a strong character. But...it's ok, to not be ok... It's ok to ask for help, instead of tackling it all alone.  I have dealt with my mental health illnesses and tragedies for so long, I thought I had finally a grip on it, had my 'ways' of coping and dealing with them. Lately the struggle has got intensifying and pretty unbearable. I felt embarrassed seeking further help from the Doctors, but why? Self esteem issues? I don't know.  There is no escape, everywhere I look there is pain, stress, sorrow. Even when I close my eyes. That tension builds, it puts so much strain on the mind...the hea...