Mental Health Week

Hello my name is Shannon and I have Anxiety. I said it yay. As you may know or not know I have Anxiety and I have had this since I was 12 years old. Well I didn't know fully at the time so I really only learnt I had Anxiety at the age of 15 years old.

So when did it start? It all started when I was 12 and I had a moment in my life where everything collapsed. This is when my nanna passed away, a day that has stuck with me and continued my Anxiety. She was my big inspiration and one of the ones that protected me from everything, I loved her soo much and still do and will always remember her. Because I love her so much and saw her everyday, the panic raised when she was gone. This was and still is a big part of why I panic but there was a big build up to where I am now. After my nanna passed my first ever best friend, and my little sister (my dog) Shiloh passed away. This was another big shock and hit me hard and after my nanna passed and then my dog, I didn't know how to help myself. Even though at the time I didn't know what Anxiety was I would have moments where I was soo down and felt separated from everyone. And it didn't stop there, after all of that something was wrong with my knee, that doesn't sound like a big deal but I later found out it was more painful than I thought. My knee cap kept popping out and yes it was gross. Not only that but it was going in the joint wrong which was soo painful, so your wondering how does this link with Anxiety? Well its because I was worrying when it would pop out at school or out and about. Which panic me when I was on crutches and couldn't get to a seat. All that and I'm still getting depressed over the loss of my family. Finally another loss of my dog but was first my nanna's dog Megan (my cuz) was a big impact because she was a part of my nanna and now she was gone too. All this loss and pain pushed me over the edge and I started having major panic attacks I needed help.

So I went doctors and they couldn't do much for a long time until they recommended me to St. Marys a great place where people like me can talk to someone and open up to someone. At first I was soo nervous and sometimes still do but every time I went I learnt a new technique, I talked about how I felt and felt so much better afterwards each time. When that finished I didn't know what to do so I the doctor recommended me to another group of people at Corby mind, for me to talk to someone. This was a more cosy cottage feel building where I went to talk about my week. So every Tuesday I visited and had a really good time. But then that finished and I was like OMG what do I do now ?? So I went back to St. Marys and I'm still there, talking in a family group, me, my mum and dad. And that is going really well and I'm enjoying it, it definitely helps. This bit is mostly to say although I struggle going, talking to someone helps a lot and if you need it ask.

My update now is, I still have panic attacks, bad days, depression moments. But I get through it most days, sometimes of course I have a time out. On the other hand you can work through it. I've leant soo many different techniques and situations I can solve, everyone needs a little help to where they want to be, you don't need to do it on your own. Just sit relax and take each day as it comes. I never thought I would make it this far in becoming more confidant like buying things myself (not on my own... yet) walking the dogs and going college each day. Thank you to all who have helped me and never stop looking after me no matter where they are. Sooooo.....

Good luck, but you wont need it

Thank you for reading my post, this is in honour of Mental Health Week and I wanted to share some of my story about my Mental Health.

#MentalHealthWeek