Wellbeing Tips and Stories

We know that one of the things that people need when they are going through
a bad time in their life is hope: hope that life will get better, hope that
they can get their life back like they want it to be. 

Professionals can give you advice on your care but sometimes the most powerful help can come from someone who has been in a similar situation to you.  We want to use this site to share encouraging message, tips for mental wellbeing and stories of recovery. 

Stories

"Moving into supported accommodation changed my whole life.  I used to live in the community in a flat of my own and I became very withdrawn and vulnerable to financial abuse from my then neighbours.  Now I have my own apartment, wonderful neighbours and fantastic supporting staff.  I feel so happy now.  My bi-polar disorder is well under control, I am stress free and can get on with my life.  I hope all my friends out there with mental health issues find what they need.  Good luck and god bless." -  from a site visitor who wanted to share their experience and wish others all the best in their own recovery journey. 

Tips

Be active

"Being active is so important - with hobbies or anything that you enjoy - it keeps your mind active and stops you dwelling on negative things". 

"Swimming helps me.  For a short while at least it helps me feel more relaxed and less anxious". 

"I put music on and dance around the house.  It lifts my mood and there is no pressure to do it 'right'." 

"I brought colour back into my life by painting randomly.  Just as my mind, races the colours soothe me and bring me back into focus, they unravel the pain". 

"I go walking whatever the weather.  It energises me.  You don't need to go to a gym". 

"I find walking helps.  I can think things through and then clear them from my mind.  It helps put things into perspective while I exercise." 

"I love being out in the garden.  I don't know if it is the gardening or just being outside but it is great for me". 

"I go dancing.  It gives me energy and improves my mood". 

"To feel better I go for a walk"

Connect...

"I find talking to other people with the same kind of experience really helps". 

"Having my dog to walk makes me get out of the house even if I don't feel like it.  I also find I get talking to other dog walkers and it makes me feel connected". 

"Mental illness is socially isolating.  In the past I have stayed inside by myself for weeks or even months not being able to face going outside.  The most important thing is to encourage people to get meeting people and get out of that trap of isolation". 

"If you are alone it affects your mental health.  If you get out and met people it helps lift you". 

"It is good to have someone to speak to about issues." 

"I go to a prayer group and it's a great group.  We support each other and it helps me no end". 

"I have learnt so much from other people who have experienced the same - more than from any of the professionals"

"I struggled for years working and bringing up a family and thought it was just me who felt like that.  When I came to the centre for the first time I realised that there are other people who feel the same.  You realise that you are not on your own and that feeling is fantastic". 

"Peer support showed me that I’m not alone". 

Notice...

"Being out the fresh air is great for your state of mind". 

"Meditation can help charge the batteries". 

"I look at cool exterior places in photos and focus on being there.  When I can't get out, it helps me feel safe and relaxes my mind". 

"I go outside, surround myself in nature and take some photos.  It helps me appreciate the smaller things in life and helps me to practice mindfulness". 

"I get myself outside, it puts whatever is going on in my life in perspective.  It gives me space". 

Learn...

"You can't change what is going on around you but you can learn how to change how you respond". 

"just because we have a mental health issue doesn't mean that we are stupid so why do so many doctors treat us like we are?"  Over time you will learn what helps you stay well.  When you do, tell the professionals involved in your care.  This can help put you back in charge of your wellbeing and your life. 

Online courses such as Living Life to the full can also be useful "I found this really helpful and I will definitely be using it again"

Give... share your experiences

"I think everyone goes through some kind of mental disturbance at some point in their life.  We all have difficult times - deaths, the end of a relationship, problems at work - and yet there is such a stigma to admitting that you have a problem." 

"During my mental health crisis no-one [doctors and medical staff] said to me "you are going to get better" and that is what I needed to hear.  I felt that things would never get better and that if so I would be better off dead.  I left like a nothing and got no encouragement".  People do pull out of mental health crisis, even if at the time it feels like the bad days will never end.  If you have a story of mental health recovery you can share it on this site and give others the encouragement they need. 

If you have a tip to offer or a story to tell, we would love to hear it.  Maybe we can share it with others on this site.  You can send us your story or tip straight from this site or you can contact us by phone, text, email or by dropping in to see us. 

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