We were approaching the end of summer and the weekend weather forecast looked very promising. Sunny and very warm. I was looking forward to the next two days.

On Saturday I planned another visit to my local bowling green where I intended to practice before lunch and then watch an arranged league match in the afternoon.

I got up around 8am on Saturday to bright sunshine, went for a short walk, had breakfast, read newspapers etc. Soon time was around 10.45 so I decided to make my sandwich for my lunch box. Then it all changed. Mrs Teg who had been unwell for several days decided to ring the 111 service. Their advice was a visit to A & E. We collected a few things together and set off, to return 5 hours later! Medical emergency averted and new medication prescribed. 

On the way home, feeling hungry and thirsty we popped into a well known supermarket and bought a ‘meal deal’ (no substitute for my lunch box contents!); all the best items having been purchased earlier.     

Finished day with tasty curry and lousy TV, thinking tomorrow is another day.

Sunday started in good mood after pleasant walk. Morning progressed and I began to feel tired with an irritating headache. I sat outside to read and soon had to manage one of my fairly regular ‘dizzy’ spells.  Recovered but another followed within an hour or so. Roast beef to cheer for Sunday lunch. However, half way through and another B***** Dizzy Spell! Left the dining room to recover.

Why am I telling you all this? You have probably had worse weekends. If you have fragile mental health how do you recover? Here are my ideas:

1.  Self Compassion. You deserve some so take plenty. Do something just for you. Take a nap, read a book, go for a leisurely walk. 

2.  Lower expectations. For the remainder of the day don’t try to achieve too much.

3.  Keep perspective. You know we all have good and bad days. Accept the worst times knowing better days will follow. 

4.  Tell others. Explain to others that you are not feeling well and to give you some time. 

5.  Acknowledge disappointment and then move on. 

To support what I am saying I found the following quotes:

“Your mental health is everything; prioritise it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does” (Mel Robbins).

“Allow yourself  things you need right now. Whether that’s space, rest support or something else, know you are not a burden for taking care of yourself.” (TWLOHA)  

“Self care is how you take the power back”. (Lalah Delia).

“I would say what others have said. It gets better. One day you’ll find your own tribe. You just have to trust that people are out there waiting to love and celebrate you for who you are. In the meantime, the reality is you may have to be your own tribe. You may have to be your own best friend. That’s not something they teach you in school. So start the work of loving yourself.” (Wentworth Miller)  

Teg

A Moodscope member