The messy side of mental health problems : what the media & campaigns don’t show

by potofcallaloo - October 13, 2017October 13, 20172

I was surprised to find myself largely neutral to the widespread mental health campaigns being run to raise awareness. I’ve seen many of these, encouraging people to talk about mental health and problems like depression and anxiety. Awareness is good, don’t get me wrong. I’ve seen media coverage featuring stories of

‘Fibromylgia and wanting to die’ – World Suicide Prevention Day

by potofcallaloo - September 10, 2017September 10, 20170

It is by complete coincidence that I'm posting this on World Suicide Prevention Day. I drafted this post last week because I was looking at my google analytics, and saw that among the top searches that led to my blog was 'Fibromyalgia and wanting to die.' It's not uncommon that people

What was that? (C-PTSD, anxiety & gorgeous hoodies)

Challenges

by potofcallaloo - August 31, 20170

This is my second post in the What was that? - my series on 'what the crap is going on?' Before I thought of blogging these random happenings in one post, I hadn't realised how messy and chaotic my life often feels. How did I manage this crap all along? I'm sure

What was that? – the first in a series of ‘what the crap is going on’ posts

Challenges

by potofcallaloo - August 19, 20172

I have been trying for the better part of the last year and a half to get back into my old blogging habits. I’ve been stymied by a nagging bout of depression that won’t let up. It’s been crappy. Sorry. But I feel upset. Angry, sad, depressed (of course) confused and lost all

Swim classes: lessons in confronting anxiety, self-doubt..the whole shebang

Challenges

by potofcallaloo - June 20, 20172

Today I learnt that my swimming classes are more than just about learning to swim. You might recall that last year I embarked on a little adventure to learn to swim. Those classes came to an end and in many ways they were a success. I learnt to stay horizontal in

Hello depression my old friend…

by potofcallaloo - May 21, 2017May 21, 20172

My Aunty has died. For a moment all I could hear was white noise. And my world, which has been feeling more and more like an empty space, closing in on me these past months, has become even smaller. I can't breathe. I've lived with depression all my life. But I'm used to

Promises that must be kept

by potofcallaloo - May 11, 2017June 20, 20170

Right now I am thinking about the unconventional therapist who first, offered me her pot of yellow roses, then insisted on her beautiful cactus. "You have to bring them back to me," she said, "you have to promise," and I cannot forget the look in her eyes. Humans. Bizarre, intriguing and beautifully

Can’t stop the feeling

by potofcallaloo - April 8, 2017April 8, 201710

Pre dental surgery anxiety flared, my IBS went crazy and I felt so so sick. My breakfast wanted to come up. And it sorta did. "It's just a routine thing, just a routine thing," I muttered to myself like a mantra. But anxiety is a hell of a thing. 87288

It’s ok not to be ok this Christmas

by potofcallaloo - December 25, 20162

I get why people like Christmas. I really do. People celebrate family, love, and togetherness. It's supposedly the 'happiest time of the year.' But for many people, Christmas can be a difficult time. An emotional roller-coaster that takes off whether or not we want it to. The media inundates us with images of

Keep talking about it: World mental health day

by potofcallaloo - October 9, 2016October 31, 20160

Despite more conversations happening about mental health problems, there is still a lot of work to be done to reduce stigma and make sure everyone gets the help they need. 87180

Tag: Depression