Self Help Advice for 'Mental Health Awareness Week' or 'Mindfulness May'

It's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek or #MindfulnessMay.

I have Bipolar. Being specific, Bipolar 1 Disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive disorder or manic depression- it's a mental illness. Commonly with Bipolar 1 Disorder, it's known to have long episodes of deep depression and in contrast to this, episodes of mania. Mania or a manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated mood and high energy, accompanied by abnormal behaviour that disrupts life.

Read more about the facts of Bipolar Disorder here: https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-1-disorder#1

As someone who has long had Bipolar 1 Disorder- and "done my time" in various forms of treatment- I'd like to share a few valuable pieces of self-help advice that I've learnt on my journey that I feel may be of value to others who need it:

1. AVOID SITUATIONS THAT YOU KNOW CAN POTENTIALLY PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER. If you're in crisis, there are lots of people you can call, including friends, family or helpful hotlines; https://www.nhs.uk/…/stress-anxiet…/mental-health-helplines/

2. The only person who can truly make you feel better, is you. Learn about yourself and how you are / can be in certain situations. Give yourself understanding. It is not selfish to make decisions that put your mental health first. (If that requires something extreme like leaving a job, leaving a household, leaving a lover, avoiding certain people, places, foods, drinks, medication or even finding a fresh start. Just do it.)

3. It's okay, not to feel okay. You are not a burden. You are not alone. There will always be someone who is or has been in your shoes and they can help you. (If you ever feel like there isn't, Go to: https://www.mentalhealthforum.net/). Your life is precious and worth everything, as is everyone else's. We are all bodies on this planet so there is no need to compete. We all deserve to feel value, love and support. There is nothing wrong with admitting a struggle and definitely nothing wrong with admitting when your mind or emotions have taken over, or acted irrationally. Apologise and start again. It simply means you looking for an understanding of yourself and learning self control.

4. It may be hard, but try to find the positive in the traits that you think are negative. (Here's an example, My Mania can make me annoying, overwhelming and disruptive- But it can also make me cheerful, enthusiastic and creative.) Even if some symptoms and features have negative connotations, they are interesting, new and part of you.

5. Try not to think too existentially. There is nothing wrong about gaining knowledge of the world and what humans go through. Don't use that as a weapon against yourself.

6. Remember that people deal with things in different ways. Some people will require a little more help than others, some people won't require much at all. If you're not in a hard place, don't shun those who are. At one point in your life, in one way or another you will be there- and you will need them too.

7. People will notice you change, and you will, without a doubt, have an affect on those around you. You may not always be able to, but try to think rationally about the consequences of your actions and how they may affect others. Try to appreciate when others are trying to help (even if they aren't getting you exactly where you want to be.)

8. There are people who will judge you- You can't stop this but just know that it's not your fault that they have chosen unacceptance. I can honestly tell you that those people in particular are of no need to you. You don't need their negativity and you will feel better being surrounded positive people. If you are that person... stop being that person, it doesn't help anyone. There will also be people who don't understand you- find those who can.

9. If you're worried for yourself or someone, talk to them or talk to someone. Using a hotline, recommending or seeking professional help, going to the doctor or even walking into a church, is NOT a bad thing- giving you hope is why they exist.

I hope these tips help someone, because even if these words reach out to one person, I know I've fulfilled my purpose in writing this blog.

Thanks for Reading.