Living with a mental illness: 5 Important Things to Tell Yourself

As someone who was diagnosed with ddepression and anxiety over 2 years ago now, I have learnt a lot from my experience. In particular how someone with a mental illness can be very hard on themselves and often their own mind can focus on the negatives.

Through therapy and taking medication I have learnt to live with my mental illness in a healthier way. I still often have anxiety about day-to-day things, but I know what to tell myself to give me a little self-love.

1. It’s Ok not to be Ok

We are starting to see this and hear this saying a lot more, which I love as it’s very important. For a lot of people the first step in seeking help is admitting something isn’t quite right. The next step is telling yourself that that’s okay and that sometimes we can go through dark times.

2. Things will not get better overnight

Its important to be aware that if you are living with a mental illness it will be something that will take time and is a long process to recover from. I don’t say this to scare you, but rather prepare you – my journey wasn’t easy but I wouldn’t change anything as it made me who I am today.

3. Self-care and taking time for yourself is vital

Self-care isn’t selfish, its self-love and we all deserve some time to take care of ourselves. We previously ran our own Self-care September campaign and listed 30 different ways we can look after ourselves.

4. Not everyone will understand

Again I’m sorry to sound negative but this is something important to consider. I’m afraid not everyone understands what it is like to live with a mental illness and therefore can have lack of sympathy or empathy. However I have come across people who do understand and they are now my closest friends, it depends on the person.

5. You are Enough

Please repeat this one to yourself several times a day. You are good enough, you are enough and you are loved for who you are, mental illness and all.

Did you find these tips helpful? If so please comment below. If you have anymore tips to share or would like to share your experience please get in touch.