10th October - 31 days - How

In an effort to get blogging on a regular basis it seems I need a challenge. I've opted to try and complete this one as it's only supposed to take 5 minutes each day. Of course it takes a bit longer than that to get the post presented how I want it but the content was done with a timer.

If you want to find out more, join in or just check out other participants click on the image above.

Today’s prompt is How and here's my 5 minutes' worth:

I’ve had times in my life when my mental health has not been great and overcoming that has been hard. I had times when I couldn’t do anything that was out of my comfort zone, out of my control. I couldn’t use public transport, I couldn’t sit in a crowded theatre, even a crowded room. I would get anxious. I would need to use the toilet. I would panic that I wouldn’t get to the toilet. I had to be in control. Panic attacks are not nice.

Gradually I have managed to improve. Planning ahead helps. Spontaneity is still hard. Being with people I know and who know my situation also helps. They understand why I still take every opportunity to visit the loo when we’re out, why I like sitting at the end of a row and so on.

Talking definitely helps and I’m no longer ashamed of how I am. I’ve realised that it is “Ok not to be OK” and some things are still beyond me and that may always be the case.

However, I’ve also learned not to automatically say “I can’t” and instead ask “How can I do that?"
 
When I was composing this post in my head I didn’t realise it was World Mental Health Day but it’s made it even more appropriate for today.