My Experience
My Mental Health Experience
This narrative shares my experiences with mental health, aiming to resonate with others and inspire them to reflect on their own journeys. Growing up feeling out of place and dealing with a turbulent childhood, I struggled with emotional management and faced alienation. Labelled negatively, I found it hard to seek help, leading to reckless behaviour in my teens and young adulthood.
Through therapy, research and lifestyle changes, I learned to navigate my emotions and embraced the complexity of mental health. This began my Minded Boggle Journey, focused on self-improvement and encouraging others to explore their mental health. By sharing my story, I hope to foster solidarity and inspire others to pursue their paths of healing and self-discovery, reminding them that acknowledging mental health is a courageous step and they are not alone.
Born and raised in the outskirts of South West London
Throughout my life, I have often felt like an outsider, navigating a world that seemed to operate on a different wavelength than my own. My childhood was far from idyllic; it was marked by a series of adverse challenges that shaped my perceptions and experiences in profound ways. From an early age, I struggled to control and articulate my emotions, which often left me feeling isolated and misunderstood. The labels others applied to me— “attention seeker”, “cry baby” or “drama queen”—served only to deepen my sense of alienation, making it increasingly difficult to seek the emotional support I desperately needed during those formative years.
As I transitioned into my teenage years, the weight of unresolved trauma began to manifest in increasingly destructive ways. I found myself spiralling into a tumultuous phase characterised by a chaotic blend of anger and confusion. My actions were often impulsive and reckless, leading to strained relationships and a series of poor choices, including criminal activity and excessive drinking. At the time, I viewed my behaviour through a lens of immaturity and naivety; I was unaware of the deeper emotional scars that fuelled my actions. This lack of understanding not only hindered my personal growth but also perpetuated a cycle of self-destruction that I felt powerless to escape.
When I turned sixteen, I felt an immense pressure on my shoulders. It seemed like everyone around me viewed me as a ticking time bomb. To be truthful, I was feeling a little unsteady myself. It wasn’t until I took the courageous step of reaching out to a counselling organisation, Connexions, that the fog began to lift. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey into the depths of my mental health. Through counselling, I started to uncover the intricate layers of my emotional landscape, gaining insights into the connections between my past experiences and my present behaviours.
I was astonished to realise that my self-discoveries were merely scratching the surface!
Over the course of six months, I explored my psyche more profoundly, mastering the art of emotional regulation and harnessing my feelings as a powerful motivator. This transformation changed my life, allowing me to manage my emotional reactions, even during challenging moments. By identifying unnecessary triggers, I significantly lowered my stress levels, though the journey toward emotional stability remained lengthy. My curiosity drove me to further investigate emotions, igniting a lasting interest in psychology that continues to inspire me.
This exploration of psychology became a guiding light, illuminating the path toward emotional stability and personal growth. As I delved deeper into understanding myself, I began to foster a sense of empathy and compassion, not only for myself but also for others who might be grappling with their own struggles. This journey has not only been about healing; it has also ignited a passion within me to help others navigate their emotional challenges, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the world around me.
Identifying Mental Health
Acknowledging mental health struggles can be a challenging experience, especially when society tends to stigmatise it as a sign of weakness. For me, it was essential to confront my emotions head-on, so I delved into research to understand my situation better. Initially, I focused on managing my feelings and finding coping mechanisms, but sometimes, my problems seemed to snowball and become overwhelming. That’s when I decided to seek help from a doctor and was prescribed antidepressants. At first, I was hesitant to take them, but I now realise that taking care of my mental health is just as crucial as looking after my physical well-being.
With time, I learned that medication was only one piece of the puzzle. To genuinely heal, I needed a holistic approach that included therapy, lifestyle changes, and self-compassion. Therapy became a cornerstone of my recovery, offering a safe space to explore my thoughts and feelings without judgment. Through therapy, I discovered the power of talking through my struggles and the relief that came from being heard.
I also embraced lifestyle changes that complemented my treatment. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices like meditation played pivotal roles in maintaining my mental well-being. These activities helped me stay grounded and manage stress more effectively.
We often think we can handle everything on our own, but there are times when leaning on the expertise of others is not only okay but necessary. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Minded Boggle
Navigating the Difficulties of Mental Health
Initially, I believed that depression was characterised by a miserable life and a lack of desire to continue living. However, my knowledge of the condition was limited, but now, I comprehend that depression is, in fact, caused by a hormonal imbalance that can be addressed through the use of antidepressants. Unfortunately, the medication I was prescribed made me feel somewhat numb, almost as if I had lost my ability to experience emotions. I was unsure if this is a normal side effect, as I’m not familiar with the typical range of human emotions. Eventually, I stopped taking the medication without consulting my doctor, and I began denying that I had a mental illness. I convinced myself that I was simply going through a difficult period and no longer needed medication.
This decision, however, led me down a precarious path. While I wanted to prove to myself that I could handle everything on my own, the reality was that I was struggling more than ever. The absence of medication left me feeling raw and vulnerable, and my emotions, once dulled, came flooding back with overwhelming intensity. It was a tumultuous time, marked by highs and lows that I wasn’t prepared to navigate.
Mental Health Unwrapped: A Journey of Resilience and Growth
I had a period of smooth sailing in life, where I felt like I had won against my mental health struggles. But life soon proved me wrong. Even with my growing wisdom, I was caught off guard by an overwhelming mental health crisis. It felt like being trapped under a landslide of issues, each one piling on top of the other. And it wasn’t just the everyday adult stressors like bills and chores. Deeply buried traumas and long-forgotten childhood memories were surfacing, adding to my mental load. I begun to regress (go backwards in my journey), which impacted my behaviour, my self-perception, and my life experience. Initially, I was unfazed. “I’m much stronger now!” However, as time went on, my relationships began to suffer, and unbeknownst to me, my entire life was impacted. Driven by a desire for revenge against the trauma I had experienced, I lashed out indiscriminately, until one day, it became too overwhelming to handle.
Have you ever been so angry that you’ve said or done something you later regret? From this, I learned a crucial lesson: never underestimate the power of professional help when it comes to mental health. We often think we can handle everything on our own, but there are times when leaning on the expertise of others is not only okay but necessary. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I reached out to a healthcare professional, who directed me to a local organisation for a phone evaluation to find the right support.
Through therapy and lifestyle changes, I discovered a new equilibrium, effectively managing my mental health. I grew stronger and learned to be kinder to myself.
I understood that mental health is multifaceted and each person’s route to well-being is unique. It’s about discovering what works for you and being open to the idea that your needs might change over time.
Looking back, I realise that despite my awareness, I could have used more support. Although a course was suggested to help with my anxieties, I found group sessions repetitive as they simply confirmed what I had already learned independently. I sought one-on-one help for a more appropriate form of support, but was faced with a year-long waiting list that would grow for me, as I was deemed lower priority due to my self-sufficiency. Undeterred, I decided to forge my own path and started studying various free online psychology courses* to aid my recovery.
*Alison.com is a free course website, please be advised it is advert heavy
My Journey in Child Development and Psychology
It’s been quite the journey exploring the fascinating world of child development and psychology. But let me tell you, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. When I first set out, I hit a roadblock right away with all those complicated concepts and brain-busting terminology. Even my trusty dictionary couldn’t help me get a handle on it all.
So, I took a detour and dove into a psychology course*. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer!
Suddenly, everything started to click and I could see the intricate links between my thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Before I knew it, I was speaking the scientific jargon like a pro and my dictionary was gathering dust on my bookshelf. Plus, the best part? My understanding of human behaviour skyrocketed, and I started to see positive changes in my own life.
I found myself more equipped to navigate my emotions and interactions with others. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the complexities of the human mind in ways I had never imagined. This newfound knowledge not only fuelled my passion for psychology but also inspired me to share what I was learning with others.
As I delved deeper into child development, I became particularly fascinated by how early experiences shape our future selves. Understanding the significance of nurturing environments and positive reinforcement opened my eyes to the profound impact we can have on young minds. This insight motivated me to apply these principles in my everyday life, whether interacting with family, friends, or even in professional settings.
I also became an advocate for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support for children and adolescents. By sharing my journey, I hoped to encourage others to prioritise mental health and recognise that it’s never too late to start fostering emotional intelligence.
*Alison.com is a free course website, please be advised it is advert heavy
My Journey to Mental Wellness: Tackling Setbacks Like a Pro
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but each step has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned to embrace the complexities of human development and use them as a foundation for growth and understanding. This path has not only enriched my life but has also empowered me to make a positive difference in the lives of others, reinforcing the idea that knowledge truly is a powerful tool for change.
In the past few years (written in 2022), my mental health has been a real roller coaster. I’ve faced some tough blows, but I’ve also found some silver linings. The setbacks I’ve dealt with weren’t as daunting as before because I’ve learned new ways to cope. Nowadays, I can brave through the toughest situations because I’ve reached a newfound sense of stability. No matter how rough the going gets, I’m confident I’ll get myself out of it, just like I’ve done before. In fact, sometimes I look at those not-so-great days as an opportunity to put my mental muscles to the test.
Of course, there are still moments when my mental health takes me by storm and knocks me off my feet for a while. But I’m getting better at spotting the triggers and taking action before things get too intense.
Acknowledging my mental illness was the first step towards being honest with myself, which ultimately allowed me to adapt my life accordingly. Although there are still tough days, I’ve become more self-aware and better equipped to handle them. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned to rewire my brain, which hasn’t been an easy feat, but has led to significant personal growth.
Through this journey, I’ve become more accepting of myself and my circumstances, and have learned to navigate life in a way that works for me. Most importantly, I practiced self-compassion. I learned to forgive myself for past mistakes and to treat myself with kindness, understanding that I’m a work in progress. This shift in mindset was liberating and allowed me to focus on growth rather than perfection.
My journey to recovery hasn’t been linear—there have been setbacks and challenges along the way. But each step, no matter how small, has contributed to my ongoing journey towards mental wellness. I now understand that it’s okay to ask for help and that taking care of my mental health is a continuous process. Embracing this journey with an open heart has transformed my life in ways I never imagined possible.
Do you want to take the first step towards Self-Improvement?
Acknowledging that you need to make changes in your life is the first step to self-improvement. But it’s not always easy to be honest with yourself. Once you’ve gotten past that hurdle, however, there are many paths you can take to achieve your goals. As you explore our content library, you may discover repetitive and overlapping information, this can be beneficial. It ensures that regardless of which path you choose, you’ll have all the relevant information you need to succeed.
