The Typical New Year Blog Entry

I bet no one was expecting this blog...NOT.

Ok, so this is a bit predictable, but anyhow when having a relaxing bath earlier I thought I'd go for it.

This time of year is one where a big divide is put into society. There are those who declare they will become a new person at the strike of midnight, and there are those in reality. That's a tad harsh, I know. However, New Years Eve shouldn't be a time to focus on all the things we don't like and want to change about ourselves/our lives. It should be a time to celebrate our lives and the positives...whether that be simply having a roof over our heads, access to warm water/electricity, and bed to get into every night: a time to be grateful for ALL the little bits and pieces.

It's always the little things that have the biggest difference, so if you take into account all the times someone cared enough to ask how you were and be genuinely interested, all the times a random stranger smiled at you on the street, all the time you DID get to see those you care about (not the time you didn't), all the little accomplishments like getting out of bed when that seems impossible.

You see, those things are so often not noticed because they don't scream out "THIS IS A BIG THING", but it's these things we should be more grateful for :)

So, if New Years is a time filled with bad memories, why not take this year to make some new memories.

Grateful for all the little random things that made you smile even for a second? Thought so. So why not take control of your happiness and also brighten someone else's day:

For Yourself:
One of the directors at Minds Like Ours, Bex, posted about this earlier and I thought it would be good to share it here to:

For Others:

An idea: to leave little inspirational messages on sticky notes at random public places for people to find. One smile could change someone's day :)

Quick mention of a very lovely, inspirational lady, Kimbereley!

Please take time to check out her blog
http://www.thehopefulhummingbird.com/2013/12/12-days-of-mental-health-day-1-social.html?m=1

Cheese Spread Sandwhiches

An unlikely inspiration for a blog, however, cheese spread sandwiches are exactly what inspired what you're reading now. Also, how could these sandwiches change someone's life this Christmas?

It's often the smallest deeds that have the biggest positive impact on someone's day.

This morning my father came in and made me some sandwiches. So, this isn't an unusual occurrence for me, but I don't think I've ever appreciated it as much as I should since coming home from university for Christmas. You get so used to looking after yourself and having no one to do anything for you, so being back at home is amazing!

It reminded me, at this time of year so many people feel so much more lonely than the rest of the year. They feel so much more isolated. So many people spend it with their family and friends. What about the people who have no one?

So you're wondering what's this got to do with cheese spread sandwiches, right? It reminded me how much doing a little deed for someone can make them feel loved and there's no better feeling than that. Also, no worse feeling than being alone and having no one.

How great would it be if everyone took their time to do one small thing for someone they care about or someone who has no one else this Christmas just to make them feel cared about? Whether that's popping to the shop for someone, or even just sending them a Christmas card.

There's no better excuse to do something good for someone than Christmas.

And that's how cheese spread sandwiches could turn someone's day around.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

My Story

Despite knowing many of you who read my blog for many, many years. You're highly unlikely to know my story during the last few years.
I'm writing this not for attention (before all the rumours start), but simply to raise awareness and say that it is ok to get help... In fact it's good.

Three years ago in January, I was diagnosed with depression for the first time. I'd been dealing with it for a few months before, but it was only in January steps were taken to get me the help I needed.

Now, let me explain. Depression isn't just feeling a little down and isn't a fleeting feeling of sadness. It's like a majorly dark fog surrounds you. The longer it's left, the darker it gets until you can't take it anymore. You can see nothing but yourself which can be perceived as selfish. You become irritable and lack motivation due to the every effort of trying to get through when you can't see a thing.. which people take as you not being very nice. You either can't sleep or sleep all the time, and even then you feel tied down and unable to move...therefore your friends may lose interest as you don't make much effort. You can't see the light, and lack all sense of hope.You don't value yourself or care about food or the future because you don't think you're worth it..... all of which many people will take as attention seeking and need you to snap out of it. You become completely irrational in some cases and those around you don't understand why. It causes so much pain for you and those who care, it never just affects the one person!

A couple of months after coming off medication, I was put back on it. There's no shame in needing a little help. You'd seek medical help if you were physically ill, so why is there such a big difference when it comes to mental health?! (I don't understand!)

The thing is, I was surrounded by some incredible people who helped me through. And yes, they may not have all understood or had any idea what I was going through. but they were there. It's often the reactions and actions of those closest to you that can make or break your recovery. I was lucky with all the support I had, but it's not the same for everyone! If more people were aware of the facts and had even an idea of what dealing with any mental health issue was like, it would transform the lives of many and aid them in recovery. It could save so many lives.

Ignorance and impatience with people dealing with mental health does not help one bit. Yes, it's hard for those trying to help too, but they can walk away for a break, when people like us could not.

I just want to let everyone know that there is hope. Since being put on medication and being supported so much when I need it, I've completed my A leves, modeled for Julien Macdonald, traveled to Switzerland, France,
Malaysia and Australia, met some great people, started university and met some amazing people there too. I've become a part of www.Mindslikeours.co.uk  (refer to earlier blogs for more details). The most incredible things that have happened in my life were after getting help, not before.

The point is:

Life does not end with the diagnosis of a mental health illness. It simply starts a new chapter of living in a different way.

PS. I'd just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was there for me when I did need it and helped me through. It has made the world of difference. It's thanks to you that I can now help out and reach others whether that's through Minds Like Ours or otherwise! Everything I'm doing and I achieve in life is thanks to you.. No need to mention people as they know who they are.

THANK YOU!

If you're struggling: try and tell someone.
If you see someone struggling: do something, tell someone, talk to them
If you know someone who deals with MH issues: be patient, you can walk away from it, but they can't.

Huffington Post

So today my first ever blog for Huffington Post was published. Quite a day! I am now officially a blogger for Huffington Post. Check out the website : www.huffingtonpost.com
The subject of my first blog for them is mental health at university...
Please take a look/comment/share: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/../../lucy-roberts/mental-health-university_b_4385363.html

Thanks.

Will be back to posting regularly soon!

Lucy

#MythBustingMonday

Sorry for neglecting the blog... I'm back blogging as people actually miss reading them apparently.. Ummm WHAT?!

Every Monday at Minds Like Ours we have our myth busting Monday where we bring to light common misconceptions regarding mental health.

Here are my top 8 (I don't know why 8):

- #1 : Mental health issues are caused by the people suffering from them
     - Truth: Although people do need to take responsibility for their own thoughts/feelings associated with their disorder, the fact they deal with MH issues is not their fault! There's a difference between taking responsibility and being the cause.

- #2 : All mental health disorders are lifelong
     - Truth: Not all mental health disorders are lifelong. Some are, but not all. MH disorders can be treated with therapy and medication...you can often recover.

- #3 : If I admit I'm struggling with my MH I will be admitted to hospital
     - Truth: The minority of MH patients actually receive inpatient treatment. The largest percentage never need to be in hospital, though in some cases it is neccessary for their own well-being.

- #4 : If I can't handle my own MH without help then I'm weak
     -Truth: It often takes more courage to seek help than it does to keep struggling. You would seek help if you were physically that ill, so why not for your mental health?!

- #5 : People with mental health issues are violent
     -Truth: Statistics prove that those suffering with mental health issues are more likely to be the victim of violence than actually be violent themselves. This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

- #6 : It's always easy to talk about how you're feeling/coping
     -Truth: Not everyone knows who they can talk to about these things. Even if someone is surrounded by the most supportive friends/family it can still be so hard to speak up. MH patients often don't feel worthy of the help or try to ignore it in the hope it'll get better on it's own...This is simply not true. It can be so hard to open up and tell anyone, especially those closest how you're feeling when it's negative.

- #7 : If you live with a mental illness then you're weak
     -Truth: those with MH issues often find day to day things extremely difficult. These things are often simply tasks the majority of people don't take any notice of such at eating, getting  up and looking after yourself. Therefore, it takes great strength and courage to still live your life whilst dealing with MH illness.

- #8 : MH patients can't enjoy life
    -Truth: There's a misconception that all MH patients just sit in bed all day every day. In actual fact, the majority of MH patients live their life to the fullest. Their lives may be different to most people's and they sometimes may not be able to do things others can, but most MH patients try and make the most of everyday when they can

A Guide To Surviving Freshers Week

Freshers week: usually the first week many have spent away from home living with a bunch of strangers and having some good nights out.

1) Whether you're an alcoholic or you don't drink at all, nights out at the union are a MUST!! It's a great way to meet people and have a good ol' time dancing and what not.

2) Don't shut yourself away in your room. Doesn't matter if you're the most confident person in the world or the most shy...you're all in the same boat!! Get involved with your flat mates or people on your course... They're the people you'll be spending at least the next year with, it's a good idea to get to know them

3) Be yourself... The last thing anyone wants in their flat is a fake flatmate. I can guarantee the people your with will want to get to know you instead of someone you may be pretending to be... you can't keep that up forever!

4) Don't be afraid to start conversations....Don't leave it to the same people all the time or they'll stop making the effort and will think you can't be bothered

5) Keep your things tidy... Your room is up to you.. but shared areas are used by everyone. Your flatmates won't appreciate you leaving a mess all over the kitchen or leaving your makeup all over the bathroom!! (especially when you're sharing with 44 people like I am!)

6) Drink lots of water and eat regularly! You will not be able to keep up wild nights every night if you're still hung over and dying from the night before... PACE YOURSELF!

7) Don't be worried about having a night in.. If you're not up for nights out every night, I'm sure there'll be other people feeling the same... invite them over for a night in... they're essential for recovering from those nights out!

8) Keep an eye on how much you spend.... Blowing your entire loan in the first week is going to leave you stuck for the rest of the term... not a good idea

9) Make an effort to get to know everyone in you're sharing with...Some people may be feeling homesick or left out and don't know how to get involved... speak to them! It's a good way of making new friends.. or if that's you... try hanging out in the shared areas... you're bound to make friends quickly

10) Explore where you're living...There's no point moving to university if you're just going to stay in your room. Explore the town/city...It's something to do with your flatmates as you're all in the same position!

Enjoy Yourself

 

 

University

Moving, registration and day 1

I realised that moving is a lot harder than anyone who has never moved thinks....but not in the way you think. The only part I found hard was the practical side of packing up your life and possessions and physically moving them to your next destination. As the time was getting closer, all I had packed was shoes and films (I had my priorities right!!!!!)... but slowly bits came together and now I'm here, all settled in and having a fab time.

Registration was a bit manic with people everywhere, but to be fair to our uni, it is rather organised when it came to it!

Meeting people in person and putting physical faces to online photos was probably the best part of registration day. Everyone I met and am living with are fab. They're no different to how they convey themselves online. We'll all in the same position and have been looking out for each other: fab group of girls! Some photos from our night out of a few of them.....

The union is great and I finally got to meet Shakey for the first time after watching some impressive(ly bad moves) at the union last night!!! Running for Raising and Giving (RAG) officer  is a go! Also, hoping there's a good chance of being able to help with the Night Scheme too.

Night scheme is hoping to be set up in the Carmarthen campus this year and will be a service for those who need a non-judgemental, listening ear during the early hours of the morning when there's no one around.

So excited about everything at uni at the moment... Getting involved is definitely the best way forward! #Happy (I don't care if it's no acceptable to hash tag in blogs...get over it!)

Quick word of advice for future uni students... getting involved is a great way to meet people and gives you something to talk about!! Living at university is more than just gaining a degree by completing a course.... It's far less scary than people think as long as you're friendly, make an effort and keep an open mind.


My room is faaaaab. Huge and I have the best views. Want to keep it for the 3 years..... despite there being so many steps to get up to the top floor :( (I will count them one day!)

 

 

Things to do today: Catch up what's been happening at MiLO, go for food (can't wait! I'm hungry), games night at the Christian Union and then a film night. Woo!

 

 

 

And at last, some photos of the uni!