Welcome to my first blog, I’m both very nervous and excited to get started. Mental health is such a big issue and I really hope to do the topic justice and help at least one person through my posts.

My Blog is called Lighthouse as a lighthouse symbolises the way forward and help in navigating our way through rough waters, nothing else depicts safety and security in the face of adversity and challenge quiet like a lighthouse does. Also Tom Walkers song ‘Leave a light on’ gave me the idea for the name as it shows help is there and its okay not to feel okay.

‘If you look into the distance, there’s a house upon the hill
Guiding like a lighthouse it’s a place where you’ll be
Safe to feel our grace ’cause we’ve all made mistakes
If you’ve lost your way…
I will leave the light on (x4)
Tell me what’s been happening, what’s been on your mind
Lately you’ve been searching for a darker place
To hide, that’s alright’

‘It’s so common, it could be anyone. The trouble is, nobody wants to talk about it. And that makes everything worse’- Ruby Wax 

A quote that for me puts it all into perspective. An illness that does not discriminate- it can affect anyone of any age, gender, profession or ethnic background. It affects approximately 1 in 10 people at some stage of their lives.

In this post I hope to share with you the signs to notice if you or someone you know is suffering with poor mental health. I will mainly focus on Depression throughout my posts. Depression is a serious mental illness that affects how you feel, think and behave.  It is characterised by persistent low mood, feeling helpless or hopeless, crying, irritability, agitation, changes in sleeping/ eating patterns, social withdrawal not taking part in gatherings of friends and families, high use of alcohol or drugs, headaches, feeling anxious and losing interest in activities you usually enjoy. These signs and symptoms will be present for more than two weeks, It is important to note that we all experience some of these symptoms now and again it does not mean you are depressed. Aware is an Irish support group that offers information, support and guidance on all Mental Health issues link attached below for more information.

Aware Mental Health Organisation

Aware-information on depression

You will first notice the more apparent changes in yourself or others for example- someone who usually trains a lot suddenly looses interest. They turn away from their favourite hobbies and past times they were once passionate about because they don’t feel the same anymore and in turn don’t feel the same about their passions. This particularly is very confusing and isolating- the activities we once found comfort in, a thrill or an escape now become a stranger to us and more of a chore to take part in. Maybe rapid weight loss or gain- comfort eating usually on carbohydrates (they help with serotonin feel good hormone) or chocolate or perhaps not eating at all with no desire for food (There’s a link below for mood boosting foods). It could be sleeping excessively to escape the numbness, guilt and sadness and/or inability to sleep when you need to- night time. Commonly occurring is an irritability and withdrawal from activities or events. It may be as simple as not wanting to go see your friends anymore or not attending nights out or being on the verge of tears most of the time.

Foods that help boost serotonin and help you feel good

It is very important that if you or someone you know is showing various symptoms of depression to seek help. Your parents, friends, teachers, lecturers, GP or a coach they all care about you, they want to help and will have already noticed some changes in you. ITS OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY, AND ITS CERTAINLY OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. It will be the most difficult thing you will ever have to do but the sense of relief that comes afterwards is overwhelming. Getting those words out when someone asks if your okay, ‘no i’m actually not’ will start the conversation and allow you to share your feelings.

Remember NO ONE WILL BE MAD at you for how you feel, YOU ARE NOT A BURDEN, YOU ARE LOVED and YOU WILL GET BETTER!

Below are a list of numbers you can call to talk

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton.