Starting my Journey - suggestions for help?

[lifeisbutadream]

Hi everyone, today I finally reached out to my GP after having a little breakdown last night and realising I needed help.

I've been struggling lately with a lot of anxiety (and depression), and it was beginning to impact me in other ways (including disordered eating/ health - I know that is a long, sad and dangerous path and I was afraid it was only getting worse).

It was really scary to admit everything that is going on but I'm so glad that I did.
It was so good and reassuring to be able to talk about what has been going on and have my feelings be validated. It's weird to think I'm mentally unwell and how many things I'm going to have to work on, some that go back a long way, but I'm excited for the journey for better mental health to begin.

However, I am a little bit afraid I won't be able to change.

My GP has recommended me to try different mindfulness exercises (CBT) over the next few weeks, until I will be seeing a psychologist. Does anyone have any techniques, apps, books or other self-care activities they have found have helped them (especially early on)?

Thank you!

[ecomama]

Hi lifeisbutadream! Welcome.

Congratulations on making the first steps to get support. I wish you well and you sound like me lol.

Woah boy, you have come to the right place for awesome info but I will just share a few. Others have so much to offer here... have a scout around the forums and you will find heaps!

Smiling Minds is great with mindfulness exercises they take you through.

For anxiety you can try 'grounding exercises'.
I love falling asleep to the Headspace meditations.

1 self care thing like having a relaxing bath, eating a yummy meal, phoning a nice friend, patting a pet, watching a comedy show.

Whatever we do, it would be great to integrate into it our life as a habit. Be aware of the possibility of taking on too much and then feeling overwhelmed (and giving up or feeling worse).

You can start a healing journey journal and note your own feedback to all the things you try. It can double up as a gratitude diary too. I am grateful for clean air to breathe here. Doesn't have to be complicated, the simpler the better some times. Have fun with them.

How does that sound?

Ecomama

[Gambit87]

Hi,

It was really scary to admit everything that is going on but I'm so glad that I did.
It was so good and reassuring to be able to talk about what has been going on and have my feelings be validated. It's weird to think I'm mentally unwell and how many things I'm going to have to work on, some that go back a long way, but I'm excited for the journey for better mental health to begin.

I cannot relate enough! Good on you for seeking help!

For years I struggled with depression,anxiety and OCD but I never seeked help, i just buried it and just went on with life. Then it bit me on the butt hard. I realised I actually need to do something about it and I started seeking help. It feels kind of liberating?

However, I am a little bit afraid I won't be able to change.

I have the same fear, but as the time goes by you realise you are changing for the better!

I starting my journey new years day this year. Some advice I can offer is (well, whats worked for me)-

baby steps! dont push yourself to do all the things at once - set yourself small goals, go for short walks, dont beat yourself up if you didnt do something - theres always tomorrow.

Get out there! (easier said then done these days) try and get outside and just notice your surroundings (smells, sights, sounds etc). Practice mindfulness.

Be kind to yourself, treat yourself, do something nice for you! you are worth it.

Meditation! Not for everyone, but it works for me! Download the smiling mind app and start meditating. Its weird at first but the more you do it the more calm and relaxed your mind and body feels.

Remember its ok to have a bad day! we all have them. one step back but 2 steps forward.

Remembering you matter!

I hope this helps! its tough but the more you keep at it the better it gets!

all the best.

[SarahZ]

Hello lifeisbutadream!

Great job on reaching out to your GP - I know how daunting it can feel. Sometimes ignoring our emotions is easier than addressing them, but trust me (from personal experience) tackling what you are feeling is always better in the long run! So big congratulations on taking the first-steps of getting help - this part is always the hardest!

Whenever I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed or find myself in a wrong head-space, I like stop everything and go for a walk and listen to a podcast. I really recommend Deliciously Ella; her podcasts delve into a bunch of great topics (i.e. gratitude and presence, morning routines, setting boundaries, body acceptance, diet myths, etc. ). She also invites different guests to talk about their personal struggles and how they overcame them. If you're a foodie like me I also recommend baking. You not only get a (hopefully) great end-product, but it also keeps you preoccupied and feeling relaxed.

Also, most importantly, don't worry about feeling down sometimes - somedays are always more difficult than others. Be nice to yourself, say positive motivating words to yourself! Positive self-speech works great for me on days when I am feeling down.

I'd be super excited to hear about your journey updates and what techniques end up working well for you 🙂

Wishing you all the best!