Typing away my struggles
Mental illness is the second-largest burdensome issue in England, with 1 in 4 people experiencing some type of mental health problem every year. Not too long ago, I read an article on The Guardian — ‘Knocking down barriers through boxing’ — which talked about a charity in Bristol that uses different types of boxing to help people aged 8 to 25 with their mental health issues. I thought this was extremely effective and I found this specific article interesting as recently, I have been going through a difficult time with my mental health.
Women between the ages of 16 and 24 are almost three times as likely to experience a common mental health issue as males of the same age. As of a couple of weeks ago, my own mental health has increasingly declined. I have had to leave Canterbury to return home where my doctors and family are located.
I personally have been typing through my struggles — using writing as my mental outlet. Whether it’s a short story, a chapter of my work-in-progress novel, a blog post, or journaling, writing takes my mind off the hundreds of thoughts racing through my mind. Although, one of those thoughts happens to be my fear of writing. Fear of thinking I am not good enough. Not capable enough. Not experienced enough.
My recent struggles include severe panic attacks, feeling lonely (even though I know I have many people in my life who love and care for me), and sadness. In the midst of having an attack, I feel my chest contracting, my blood rising and the world around me closing in. I never know what exactly brings them on and I can never control them. As the tears flow from my eyes whilst I’m trying to calm down, I feel weak and powerless.
I am not weak and powerless.
The new ‘normal’ the world has come to know after the outbreak of Coronavirus has contributed to how I’m feeling, which I know I am not alone in.
No one is alone in this and, if you are someone who is experiencing panic attacks, there are many ways to calm yourself down. The biggest one being to breathe. It’s definitely easier said than done, but once you tackle the ‘breathe in, breathe out’ technique, you will get through it. You constantly need to remind yourself that you are going to survive this. It will not last long.
If you find your mind wandering throughout the day, distract yourself by doing something you love. I use my writing and music to get me through it. You could use dance, art, sport, yoga, your calming TV show, or listening to your favourite singer etc.
You are not alone.
What you are experiencing or feeling is common in many others. Free centres, like the boxing in Bristol, and traditional talking therapy sessions are just two ways out of multiple that can help you.
You are not weak and powerless.
