How painting mindfully is helping me to cope during tough times

by potofcallaloo - June 8, 2020August 4, 20204

*I received a paint by numbers kit in exchange for an honest review* Last week, on the morning of my 35th birthday, my beloved grandmum who raised me had a stroke. The devastating news has been crippling. I had already been struggling, as many people through the imposed coronavirus lockdown. Ongoing flare

Trauma retriggered

Challenges

by potofcallaloo - December 12, 20192

Right now I do not know what tomorrow holds but I’ve made it till now. I’ve plastered up the cracks and glued together the broken bits. That is a victory. Till the next day.

Working together to prevent suicide -World Suicide Prevention Day 2019

by potofcallaloo - September 8, 2019September 9, 20190

*This post has been updated to include training links* You know that feature on Facebook where it brings up memories from previous years? Well, it dug up this photo of me, from August 2013. I took one look at it and remembered. 87967

Lessons from my grandparents – ‘All work and no play’

by potofcallaloo - April 23, 2019April 23, 20192

…we all need play – children and grown ups alike. It is an integral part to our whole selves – to enjoy, to discover, be creative and process life.

Coping at Christmas 2018 (dealing with pain over the holidays)

Challenges

by potofcallaloo - December 22, 2018December 22, 20180

Dealing with trauma, emotional pain and mental health problems is sometimes like that old wound that never fully heals. At this time of year it can be harder.

Not-so-good night: Rantings on sleep terrors

by potofcallaloo - October 29, 2018October 29, 20182

I am 33, yes but I still have sleep terrors. The kind of sleep terrors that shove you unexpectedly into fight or flight mode, leaving you filled with sheer dread. It is a kind of terror I can only try to describe. But you never forget it. even if you’ve not idea what you’re terrified of.

World Mental Health Day 2018: Young people and mental health in a changing world

Mental health

by potofcallaloo - October 9, 20182

despite the stigma and whatever challenges remain, I have never felt stronger or more hopeful. And it is because now I know I am not alone.

How I survived the night (despite suicidal thoughts)

by potofcallaloo - September 2, 2018September 2, 20184

I have actively tried, very hard to plod on. I have found happy moments, and I now see so much more of the beauty in the world.

Dear younger self…

by potofcallaloo - August 4, 20184

You will get tired of being sick. That’s ok. Totally ok. Own it. Take time. Rest. And get back to work.

12 things that helped me to smile despite the pain

by potofcallaloo - July 29, 2018July 29, 20182

I always say pain changes you. I am not the person I was yesterday, and tomorrow I will not be the person I am today. It’s moulding me into a better, stronger me.