What one thing transformed your mental health?

[Alifemoreordinary123]

Ok so maybe ‘transformed’ is a bit strong, and maybe one things isn’t enough, but what was your turning point if you’ve had poor MH in the past?

I’ve just been reading my ‘line a day’ memory book back and it’s made me realise how miserable I am.

I have no major trauma, nothing life threatening, no major money worries going on but I feel consistently sad, unmotivated and down. I have two under 8s, work 34 hours in a high pressured job, do most of the childcare and house / life admin. My situation with DH is a whole other thread but not the thing I’m looking to change. I am a natural pessimist and have suffered from moderate anxiety my whole life. But I feel completely burnt out / worn out at the moment. My health is constantly failing (mild / moderate stuff going on), I wake feeling tired every day (I do have low iron), I’m irritable and feel so bored with life. I have a few friends but not tonnes of heartfelt connection, I’m learning an instrument and walk a bit but no major exercise, eat ok. I just can’t seem to get into any routine. I also find the constant mess of my DH and DC unbearable to the point I want to get rid of all the ‘stuff’. We have so much and it’s all too much. I don’t think this is perimenopause btw, it’s been coming for a few years post my second baby and I don’t think I’m peri yet.

Thanks for listening to my rant and I would love to hear your positive stories.

Moving near to the sea. Just being able to breathe sea air and walk along the beach every day is a tonic

@Alifemoreordinary123 low iron can contribute to anxiety and depression, as can low B12/folate and low vitamin D. Even levels in the lower end of the normal range can mean you are symptomatic. I hope you are able to increase your levels asap and it helps in some way.

I had dreadful anxiety that came on around the time my constant tinnitus did. Counselling was useless, CBT wasn’t too great, pouring out the poison specifically at ENT/Audiology helped in a subjective way. Sertraline didn’t work.
Other anxiolytics were discussed but I have epilepsy and there are only so many drugs you can chuck into a mix before something goes bang.
Then our dog, Daisy died and everything just seemed so much worse.

It was over three months before I could bear to take any of her stuff anywhere and we only did that because a local rescue were appealing for blankets and beds.

When we were over my husband went to look at the dogs. There was a white and tan collie cowering in a cage, the dog in the next cage was barking for everything it was worth. The collie cowered with each bark. We took him out just to give him some relief.

Without going into his history and making an already lengthy post longer, my anxiety improved massively when I had to take care of a creature far more anxious and with more neurosis than me, and half the time I have to guess what is freaking him out this time.

He is a total honey though, and the exercise I get with a high energy breed helps a lot with anxiety.

Running is good
Good relationships with people I care about
Doing stuff I enjoy
My garden, seeing the seasons and growth

@NotHavingAFunTime thank you - I posted this post nearly a year ago. My ferritin is still 15 and I’m still anxious and probably depressed. I’ve inconsistently taken iron over the last year (my fault I know). I’ve also taken up an instrument, a sport and journaling. But not change. Sorry, that sounds really disappointing and I feel bad to be downbeat. I’m almost a bit resigned to feeling like this to be honest.

Hi @Alifemoreordinary123 I apologise as I know hardly anything about you and don’t even know the instrument that you have taken up.
I took up an instrument as well, I found the focus helped with my constant tinnitus. I decided to join an orchestra, overall the powers that were trying to stop me hiding in the house and cracking up, decided this might be a good idea.
I hid at the back of my section and learned to air bow, it was truly terrifying, but I learned about amateur orchestra and gained a greater appreciation of classical music. God knows how many times I came back and cried to my husband that I would never go again.
But a good friend made me promise not to quit orchestra no matter how scary it was.
I switched instruments, I still go along, Im still scared but I do actually play now!
I hope your anxiety becomes manageable/ tolerable. I don’t think it really ever goes away if you are prone to it. Before I was diagnosed I can remember stressing out about ridiculous things and I still do….usually stuff I can’t control.
I hope you are enjoying your instrument and your music.

Definitely not one thing... but an understanding of small steps. I got a book from tkmaxx called the focus journal which was helpful. Good daily habits, for health, hygiene, spirituality, and housework. Having my first child was also a turning point. I was in a bad place before that. But consistently and actively managing my mental health. And not actively seeking happiness. At the moment keeping busy, but am heading towards Burn out but been aware of this so also rest time.

I find that I need my environment clean, organised and feeling lovely. I always feel mentally better after it feels like that. I truly rate exercise. I lost two stone last year lifting weights and doing classes. Peace and quiet, making sure I had time on my own with a cuppa and a book in a quiet house. I am probably like an old lady but I have to make sure I decompress to keep myself on an even keel x

Joined a women only gym, my physical health has improved and it's a really supportive community. I feel a huge impact when I'm not able to go.

Spending less time on social media and comparing my life to other people's highlight reels

Not having time to think about it any more 😆

I jest. But seriously, I do find I’m happier when I’m busier - to a point of course!

My job is quite cerebral and my DD, being young, is quite a physical task. I think being constantly busy with either thinking work stuff or physical baby stuff is good for me.

Sadly I don’t exercise anymore like I used to, which used to be my main coping mechanism!!

Medication. Therapy. Self compassion . Community. Having things to look forward to. Little treats in the week if I’ve done something hard. Naps. Orgasms.

Self-compassion is hugely underrated so I’m seconding this with bells on.

Sorry things are this way for you, OP. I hope you find some inspiration in this thread.

Gratitude practice every evening and 5 mins of yoga every morning

Making time for myself - sounds silly, but whether its a short walk, a cup of tea or 10-minutes reading, it makes a huge difference. Other than that, I'm really paying attention to my diet - when I eat crap, I feel crap. Focusing on eating more nutritious foods - I try to eat food good for mental health and also take 5HTP for serotonin.