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General health

Week 5 of 52 small changes - a focus on our mental health

108 replies

OddSocksHighHeels · 23/01/2016 23:00

Still carrying on with previous weeks - drinking more water, getting more sleep, being active each day and logging food intake.

Week 5 is harder for me to write and is hard to put into practice but the focus is on optimism! I've left out some points that I find too woolly and not things that can be real and tangible aims. Warning: this one will be a long post.

  1. Self-talk. When you find yourself being negative about yourself then shift it. Don't magnify the negative, don't automatically blame yourself, stop seeing things in black and white. If you hear yourself saying "I can't do that" then correct yourself and switch it to "I can learn to do that".


  1. Try to gain a sense of humour in negative and challenging situations. Laugh about what you can.


  1. Take care of your physical health - exercise, for example, releases endorphins and can then help your mental health.


  1. Foster healthy relationships. Surround yourself with positive people and keep negative people at a distance. If in doubt, ask MN and they'll tell you to go NC.


  1. Try to find one thing to be grateful for each day.


  1. Channel Elsa and let it go. Is it worth obsessing over? If not then try to forget it and move on.


  1. List your strengths and accomplishments. Add to the list when you can. Look over it when you need a boost.


  1. Focus on what you want and what you want to attract in your life. Aim towards your goals.


Phew, that was long! I'll add my thoughts tomorrow as it's quite a lot to digest right off for me.
OP posts:
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AtSea1979 · 24/01/2016 19:31

Back with renewed resolve.

  1. I'll have to come back to. 2) and 3) I already do. 4) I'm learning to be single and Happy rather than in draining relationships. 5) This might be hard but I'll try to write a different one down every day (rather than a general DCs and good health type). 6) I'll try to let things go. 7) Too hard, will try to write one thing each day. 8) Getting this book and weight loss are my main goals at the moment.
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LibrariesGaveUsP0wer · 24/01/2016 19:36

Hi,

I just wanted to apologise for not being around and say I'm still here. I have been going through a bit of a mental health crisis (thread here and I just couldn't bring myself to care about writing down what I ate.

I can't decide whether this week's challenge is great timing for me, or too much to manage.

I made it home from the girls' swimming lesson and DH had to put me to bed for three hours, I was in such a state. Bless him, he doesn't recognise this me either.

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fuzzpig · 24/01/2016 19:48

Thank you Socks - this is a good, and very important one for me. Thanks

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AtSea1979 · 24/01/2016 20:13

libraries I haven't read your other thread but you might find it easier to choose one or two each week as its quite overwhelming.

I've managed my list of accomplishments, it was easy to write went to uni, had kids etc.
I shut the book when I saw list of strengths as i'm not sure I can think of any at this stage.
My greatest accomplishment (maybe that's the wrong phrase as I guess that should be my kids or degree, so I'll just share one of the things I'm most proud of and not many people know) is that I overcame depression. In the what I did to accomplish it column, I have put 'asked for help, found inner strength, completed self esteem group course'.

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Librariesgaveusp0wer · 24/01/2016 20:18

Yes. Atsea. Absolutely. Not thinking of the list. More the spirit.

My issue isn't really with self esteem. More the letting go bit! I think I've been simmering with tension for quite a while and it has exploded into big canvas worries. And sobbing like you do 4 days after having a baby.

Who said they had Headspace? Is it easy to get into?

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Librariesgaveusp0wer · 24/01/2016 20:19

And massive congratulations and well done on the depression.

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Sirona · 24/01/2016 20:30

Flowers Libraries. I had anxiety and panic attacks in the past, even down to the same sort of panics over end of the world scenarios amongst other things. I was put on beta blockers and did CBT which worked wonders. Hope you're ok and please see your doctor, they will have heard it all before.

I downloaded Headspace a couple of weeks ago but haven't got round to listening to it yet. Will try tonight once I finally get the lo settled and think over the positives for the day.

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Librariesgaveusp0wer · 24/01/2016 21:24

I have the doctor tomorrow. Tried an appointment last week, but when I turned up they'd messed it up (got told it was a same day app and when I got there it was down as booked for the next day). The following day I just couldn't do it as I'd have had to take DS with me.

I don't know if is pure anxiety or something else too. DS just started sleeping through a few days before. Maybe after running on adrenaline for most of the last 5 years (DD2 didn't sleep either) my hormones are fucked too.

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Sirona · 24/01/2016 21:54

I understand, you need space away from the kids to talk properly to the doctor. Best of luck for tomorrow and I hope they get to the bottom of it for you, whether it is something hormonal going on or anxiety related. I know my dm suffered terribly that way coming up to menopause.

That's marvellous AtSea, most definitely a huge accomplishment.

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ICJump · 24/01/2016 22:05

pointless we do something similar at the dinner table. It really helps particularly if it's been a really rubbish day.

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Allgunsblazing · 25/01/2016 06:41
  1. Self talk: hmmmm, one thing I don't lack is self confidence. In fact, I'm not even sure is self confidence per se, more like pig head-ness to extreme. I don't exacly do negativity, I just get on with it. Everybody's got problems, I've got the no 8 fencing wire mentality.
  2. i do exercise
  3. DD and I do the 10 things we were grateful for today every night before bed.
  4. Me and inner Elsa are sworn enemies, methinks. I am a bit of a control freak. There you go, something to think about.
  5. positive people, yy, we're good.
  6. I work with a bunch of nutters and we laugh our heads off most days. My DD is one of the funniest people I know, as in proper funny not just 'aww, that's cute' funny. She's very dry and sarcastic, love her.
  7. list my strenghts. Oh, where do I start? I am wonderful, reallyGrin. I'll mull over this one whilst driving to work.
  8. aiming towards my goals. I am. I am really focused on my next 2-3 tasks. But perhaps writing them down might be an idea.
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quirkychick · 25/01/2016 07:08

Libraries good luck with your gp appointment today hopefully it will start you getting to the bottom of what your problem is and offer you some solutions.

Headspace is an app to download, the first few packs are free and, I think, 10mins long. Andy who does the voice is very soothing and practical, I am actually redoing the anxiety pack (like ICJump it is noting thinking and feeling) that I originally did when we had a tribunal for dd2's DLA. It was one of my resolutions for last year. This week I'm going to try and do it first thing and, if time, after yoga as I am redoing a pack. I do find it really helps me think clearly.

Velocity I have been known to fall asleep during Headspace too Smile.

I've not been that active this weekend, but will catch up a bit this week. Sleep ok, my average has gone up from under 7 hrs to 7hrs 20mins.

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DrDiva · 25/01/2016 09:02

libraries Flowers for today.

Sleep was utterly shite last night. I have a really bad cold and for some reason this one is playing havoc with my asthma Sad Happens very infrequently now. Feeling much better and on way to work (late as had to let in the builders) but knackered!

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LibrariesGaveUsP0wer · 25/01/2016 16:48

Well, I've come home with a batch of blood tests taken and a prescription for sertraline. TBH the GP seemed a bit baffled by me. I'm not to start taking the anti-d's until after the blood results come back, so a bit in limbo for now.

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Pointlessfan · 25/01/2016 18:01

Hope you are ok libraries.
I haven't thought of my best thing for today yet, maybe it is still to come!
Talking about the best part of the day is something I def want to do with DD when she is old enough. At the moment when I ask what her favourite part of the day was she says "daddy" which makes me feel a bit rubbish!

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BewitchedBotheredandBewildered · 25/01/2016 18:03

It's a step forwards though Libraries and it's good that the GP is being cautious about you starting the anti-ds.

No water today, partly because I've run out of fizzy and my tap water isn't nice.

A few bits of fruit and a couple of handfuls of nuts through the day - just not hungry.

I've been looking at images of staircases all day as I need to choose one for the house.
That doesn't count as activity does it? Grin

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Sirona · 25/01/2016 20:06

At least the GP is covering the bases library and not just fobbing you off with tablets. Have you to wait long for the results?

Ok day today - the food would have been great had I not made chips to go with my dinner, or a big bar of chocolate Grin Had a good amount of fruit and veg though. Water good, 7 hours sleep last night and kettlebell class this morning.

What age is your dd pointlessfan? Mine was a total daddy's girl until quite recently, she seems to be coming round to me now.

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Sirona · 25/01/2016 21:24

Ok now the dc are away to bed and had a think my positive for today is

It was this time last year I finally stopped my near 20 a day smoking habit and have stuck to it. Today the PT gave us a brutal cardio exercises at the end with burpees galore and it always gives me a sense of pride that I can keep up and do that sort of thing now without turning into a wheezing, wanting to vomit mess like I was before.

And my favourite bit of the day was when dc gave each other big cuddles and told each other they loved the other one. They usually fight like cat and dog so those fleeting moments make it worthwhile Grin

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DrDiva · 25/01/2016 21:29

pointless my DS said daddy for ages without saying mummy, then I realised it was because I spent so much more time with him and we talked about daddy - there was no reason to talk about mummy or call for her, she was just always there!

He then went through a phase of calling EVERYONE mummy. Including daddy/childminder/granddad/other mindees. Hmm

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ICJump · 25/01/2016 21:37

Sirona well done on stopping smoking. I gave up five years ago and some days the only thing that that stops me from starting again is the thought if quitting :)

Water going well
Sleep I washed face did teeth and got into bed at a reasonable time
Activity we went to the park so a fair bit if walking
Food b lamb and veggies s cheese crwckers veggies l chicken salad and mayo s crackers veggies pate d chicken avo zoodles s fat bombs and crackers
Mental health I called a support agency my psychologist has been asking me to call for months and have booked an intake session! Huge achievement for me. Also did headspace. And met a new friend at the park talking to real live adult humans every day is so key to my mental health

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Pointlessfan · 25/01/2016 21:46

She's 22 months. She can say mummy, but is a bit of a daddy's girl!

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quirkychick · 25/01/2016 21:48

Well done, everybody.

I think the key to this week is to make it your own. I found the perfect notebook to use for a gratitude diary decluttering some drawers. When I opened it I had already used it as a "Happy Book" and found a lovely memory of a day at the beach with dp.

ICJump I know what you mean about talking to another rl adult. I need to get back in touch with some of my lovely friends, it's fallen a bit by the wayside with some of dd2's needs, particularly her lack of sleep the last 2 years. I think I was just about functioning.

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BewitchedBotheredandBewildered · 26/01/2016 00:12

Well done making that call IC Flowers

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quirkychick · 26/01/2016 06:44

Not great sleep as dd2 woke at 3:30am (her room was too warm) and has decided to go back to sleep now. I think she knows I have just sat down with a coffee! I did doze back off, so have had just under 7 hrs plus an hour on the sofa. Just not very restful sleep - still better than not going back at all .

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margaritasbythesea · 26/01/2016 07:03

Well done all especially IC and sSirona. Dshashada fever so total lack of sleep and little activity or much positive thinking. Come to think of it food not so great either.

Water good and a big positive is us all keeping our tempers yesterday on no sleep. Today is another day.

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