Mental Health Hero

  This trip was meant to be my journey of self discovery. To develop new confidence, meet new people and grow me as a person. I felt like I was going to take over the world.   Instead. It’s been hard work. Moving from one place to another, constantly worrying about meal times. What am I going to do today. Keeping my things safe. Running out of money. Dealing with a stomach bug, travel sickness, a cold, depression and anxiety. Never feeling truly comfortable living in grubby hostels and stinky snorey people. Having my girlfriend to talk and a potential chapter two, to me going off on dates whilst she gradually disappeared into obscurity. Relentless checking of Facebook, Instagram etc. Looking for something to hold onto. To escape my feelings and feel part of something.   The pressure to be social is too much. Yet at the same time, I’ve been okay with it. Do what you want . I walk down the road, the crowds everywhere, the noise of the traffic light penetrating my eardrums. ...

Feeling stressed, anxious, panicked? It's okay to feel a bit on edge, we are living in truly unpredictable and chaotic times. How do you look after your mental health whilst being self-isolated? I have made a list of tried and tested tips to start each day perfectly.  Having a routine really helps get your body and mind in synch. This is essential, particularly if you are no longer working and are striving for direction. Having a sense of structure and discipline will invigorate you and keep you going during even the darkest times.

Travelling is incredible, but some days are intense.  Coping with mental health quirks and issues is both exhausting and challenging. Here are some entries from when I wasn't coping so well on the other side of the world.  4th March I've been facing anxiety throughout travels. So many thoughts all the time: Not feeling safe Hoping to find someone to travel with Not knowing local language Not getting into engaging conversations so not making connections Thinking so much about next destination, next meal, next hostel Thinking I'll get my stuff stolen Feeling uncomfortable as I have no private space for me and belongings Worries about coronavirus, bush fires, not having a job, a girl back home I've been mostly on edge the whole time. I feel I've gone slightly mad. My head is pressing together through my skull. 22nd Feb I hoped the Neighbours Tour would offer me a reprieve from the madness in my mind. Instead I felt nothing. Just zero, My he...

It is estimated 1 in 5 of us will be affected by a mental health condition at some point in our lives. Depression is one of the most common, and some have described it as feeling helplessly alone and even numb to emotions, whilst joyful things may no longer even raise a smile. Sometimes people lack the motivation to get up in the morning, or even the afternoon. Thrust into a digital society, adverts gleefully tell us how communication and technology are bringing us together, whilst looks and charisma bring you happiness. Social media drives home the notion that instant gratification and likability are the key to a successful life. With the likes and opportunities thrust upon Instagram influencers, it can be quite intoxifying whilst scrolling. A simple Google search will reveal that there has been a steady rise in mental health concerns, particularly amongst youngsters. Surprisingly, many often do not communicate this to their loved ones due to fear of the isolation...

It began on Monday. Nothing good happens on Monday.  I was working in the student coursework department as a humble office administrator. This involved filing, photocopying, alphabetising, organising marks and hitting my head against the wall. Maybe I shouldn't have skipped that catchup with my Careers Advisor. I had made some big mistakes recently, and had apologised to my manager about my growing ineptitude. She gave me that look in response. You know the one, seething with disapproval. Concerned I was going to get the sack, I adopted a butter-wouldn't-melt attitude, and went through my work with a fine tooth comb. I even laughed at my manager's attempt at being funny.  With my work ethic now matching the discipline of a soldier, I felt nothing could go wrong now. No more disapproving looks. I was going to be the best administrator that the world had ever heard of.  Yet I couldn't help myself. I was sat on the reception desk, and needed a quick repriev...