Mental Health Awareness Week

by Char, posted in Health

So Mental Health Awareness Week is back around again and I fancied doing something different. Usually, these posts focus on people’s updates, current struggles and the very saddening reality of these illnesses; this time I’ve decided to share my victories. Although this might not show all that much ‘awareness’ to the arrogant I know a lot of the time the audience of these posts are in-fact those struggling themselves and I wanted to encourage and support the feeling of hope. After all, hope is what keeps us all going through these battles.

To kick it off with a big one: I can say I’m recovered from anorexia. If you follow me on social media you’ll already know this but it such a huge accomplishment. For me, recovery is about managing any bad thoughts, and those thoughts being to a minimum, and being well nourished and healthy without fears and anxiety. I can say I’ve achieved that. Often times eating disorders are discussed with the idea that there isn’t a ‘recovered’ place but I stand here suggesting otherwise. They can be so heartbreaking and consuming and it’s easy to feel like there’s no way out – if you’re struggling I am telling you right now that you can and will get out of this. It takes persistence and fighting and pain but it is achievable. Many of my friends are struggling right now and I am sending you all my love – I am here any time of day to offer any support I can or to simply listen.

Next is another big one – as of the 16th May I was (and, of course, still am) officially 1 year sober and 1 year free of overdosing. My struggles with alcohol are not ones I documented, perhaps for the shame of being so young and struggling so (I’m going to address this is another post), but it’s been such a victory for me!

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Now onto the smaller ones, but no less important. I am finally able to make phone calls with little anxiety! I used to suffer panic attacks at even the thought but I’ve continued to practice and, as long as I paper to doodle or write on, I feel confident to make them. Another anxiety victory has been using public transport. I still need a bit more practice but I can happily say that I can do it. And lastly (or at least the last one I can think of) I have survived and managed trauma anniversaries the best I ever have.

If you are struggling right now I hope this post has given you some motivation and some hope. Please feel free to message me on any social media (except Facebook, unless you know me personally) and feel free to ask me things on Tumblr anonymously if that’s easier. Love and light to you all, x

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the thing I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

20 thoughts on “Mental Health Awareness Week”

  2. so happy for you that you’ve managed phone calls! I still struggle with those. And one year sober is a great achievement too.

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  3. Wow, it’s great to hear that you’ve recovered and you’ve accomplished so much! It’s not easy to face your fears, but I hope you’ll have many more victories in the future 🙂

    Quick question: How long have you been struggling with anorexia, if you don’t mind me asking?

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  6. Congratulations – I know how hard it can be to defeat mental illness and the voices inside your head so congratulations for managing to stay strong. You look absolutely incredible in the photos, you should be so proud of yourself. xx

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  7. Wow, that’s really impressive! Where I volunteer, we have an addiction recovery program, it’s always heart warming to see them succeed, or struggle but be strong enough to pull out. Unfortunately it’s heartbreaking to see them fail, too. But great job! =)

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