Finding something positive and pushing through

I read back over my first blog, posted yesterday. It seemed rather negative although I didn't intend that. Sometimes when struggling with depression and anxiety it is very difficult to find anything positive to say. Understandably people do tire of hearing about it, especially those closest to you. I call those closest to us 'the unseen victims'; it's not their problem but, by its very nature, mental illness is pervasive and impacts hugely on our 'nearest and dearest'.

Quite deliberately then, today's blog has a positive slant. I have a good friend who reminds me, periodically, that 'it will all dry straight' - thanks Mal, you know who you are!. I like the imagery that message generates and I like the positive message it contains. If you put a mixed load of washing out some things dry more quickly than others. So it is with mental health. Those who are inclined to struggle with their mental health may be likened to a thick cotton bath towel. It will 'dry straight' but it takes a while.

Today I could have easily stayed in bed, therapists call it 'duvet ducking'. It is easy to convince yourself that there is every good reason for staying in bed but you have to tell yourself that is not true. Getting up is the hardest thing of the day sometimes. Anyone reading this who goes 'duvet ducking' I don't blame you. But today I dragged my sorry backside out of bed, showered and shaved and feeling better just for that I took myself off to a local church where I received a warm welcome and where I found much peace. Maybe that is not everybody's 'cup of tea' but I recommend allowing yourself to be surprised by the things that really do help.

Get up, do something, eat, talk to people and when you get to the end of the day look at yourself in the mirror and say 'well done, you found something positive and you pushed through'. By no means is this a 'cure all' but it does improve the quality of life for a short period.

I have no idea at this stage who, if anyone, is reading this blog. But if you are I hope there was something in today's 'positive blog' that helped you.

Final words are not mine but those of Joseph Addison, 1672-1719, the English Essayist.

The great essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.