my mental health alphabet

Acis Youth, the charity that has provided an amazing counselling service to myself and many other young people in Aberdeen. 

Body image, something I have struggled with throughout my life.

Counselling, something that has helped me immensely over the last three years.

Dopamine, the chemical in our brains responsible for feelings of happiness, pleasure and satisfaction.

Energy, something that people don’t realise but you often lack energy when your mental health isn’t so great.

Feelings, they can become so intense when I’m feeling anxious.

Goals, I find setting goals helps me feel like I’ve accomplished something no matter how small.

Help, something that we shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for and I’m so glad I got over that feeling of shame.

Isolation, I often isolate myself when my mental health isn’t doing so great.

Jokes, having a dark humour and finding the light in negative situations always makes me feel better.

Kindness, in my opinion, the most important tool to better your own and others’ mental health.

Letting myself experience the good and the bad days.

Medication, I was always so against being on medication for mental health issues due to the stigmatisation around it but they’ve helped unreal amounts.

Nature, going for walks outside can have such a positive impact on your mental health.

Opening up about my struggles has taken a massive weight off my shoulders.

Productivity, being productive takes my mind off of the negative thoughts circling in my head.

Quiet, often I’m quiet in unfamiliar situations or with people I don’t know due to anxiety.

Rapid, my mental state of mind can change so quickly.

Sertraline, the medication I was placed on when I went to seem GP in September 2018.

Trust, developing a foundation of trust was vital for me when first opening up to people.

Unknown, often a scary thing for me as I prefer routines to the daunting prospect of something new.

Victory, every day is a victory.

Walk a mile, the event I am holding in Aberdeen on May 26th to help stop mental health discrimination.

Xerosis (dryness of the skin) because my eczema flares up with stress.

Yes, I’m saying yes to more things this year to try and broaden my horizons.

Zappy (apparently it means informal) I do prefer to be informal, but in all honesty, I just liked this word.