Autumn Mental Health Update

Today is World Mental Health Day, and the theme of the day is dignity. It's a perfect time to reflect on my mental health during the last month and a half.

Back in early September, I made and shared with you all an Autumn to-do list! My history with ‘lists of things I want to do’ isn’t very good. In the Summer I misplaced and failed to complete a ‘How to Summer’ list. I felt like a failure and it took some time to get over.

However, my significantly shorted Autumn to-do list focused on attainable and achievable goals. From embracing the Pumpkin Spice Latte to baking, I was quick to get my tasks ticked off.

The season had me kept busy with my work commitments, but the list reminded me to take time out and do some things for me.

The result is a huge feeling of achievement. I look at that list and the silly things I could tick off (the Pumpkin Spice Latte) and the parts that required effort and commitment, like crafting and painting my tights, and I feel pride.

 My Autumn mental health has been very positive. I’m not going to jump to a wild conclusion and say it’s because of ticking off bits and bobs on a list, but hey, it’s helped.

Maybe it’s because of my August mental health ambitions I listed on the blog, but I’ve felt healthy and strong these past few weeks. Even my journal saw me contrast how unimportant I felt one year ago with how I feel now.

Last year was my first year post-college. University had been where I found myself, and my activities were how I defined myself. It was difficult to adjust, but during the past year I have.

Even this week when my anxiety has been through the roof this week. There was what we call the 'Luas incident' where I fainted on public transport on Monday. Every day struggling to get back on for my evening commute brought on chest pains and difficulty breathing. But I've been managing. I found a way to manage. I haven't felt myself slipping, yet alone falling into a depression. 

 So how do I feel this Autumn compared with last?

•           That I have self worth
•           That my self worth is based on more than what I did in college
•          Comfortable with where I am career wise
•          Confident with where I am going
•      Focused
•      Supported and Respected

I treat myself with respect self worth and I finally have the dignity that this day is all about. While the past year has included lots of ups and downs, it's brought a lot of positive changes. While jobs and relationships have fallen by the wayside, it's all been for the best. I've come out of it with life lessons and stronger than I was this time last year.

When it comes to mental health, how we see ourselves shapes our recovery. And treating ourselves with dignity plays a major part in that.