The little things count

Whether you're having a bad day, week, month or year, and no matter how bad it is, you can always be happy, you just need to want it and be ready to work for it. 

Personally, I've been diagnosed with Depression/low mood and anxiety - whatever you want to call it. For a while it is an invisible illness, which can be both bad and good. It needs to be visible enough for you to get any kind of help for it, but not so visible that people think you're looking for attention and so that you can still feel normal. Which is stupid, but true. However, if you leave it, it grows and grows, however you try to stop it and push it to one side. I finally went to the doctor in June of 2013. 

The main reason for going to the doctor was because I had been ridiculously tired and fragile and had been in school for 4 out of 5 days a week. I had plenty of tests to determine whether it was an underlying condition or if I could help it. All of the tests came back negative, and it upset me, because I just wanted to know what was wrong with me. My Mum then asked whether I could be depressed. I thought so, as I hadn't felt happy for a while, but really didn't want to admit it. 

Slowly, my 4 days a week of school turned into 4 days a week at home. And then every day at home. 

We went to the doctor again, and this time I was referred to CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service). I had my first meeting with a lady where I gave her an idea of my situation. I didn't have another appointment booked after that. Then the staff switched areas and I was given a new lady. I had around 6 appointments with her, including another first meeting. Then she left with illness, which is when I waited for a while and moved to the clinic in a few towns along. I now have  a new lady and it looks a little more promising. 

So all in all it's kind of worked out okay so far.

Then you get school. Not much to say apart from the fact they have no idea of the meaning of pastoral care and the sign in reception saying "Every student counts" is a big fat lie. I won't go into depth as it will only work me up. 

I now go to the local learning centre, and I have been every day apart from a day where I wasn't feeling well.

Now that you know my story, what's yours? I figured one year later, now that I have experience, i'd try and offer some form of help if I can, because I would have died for it, and if I had it when I had asked, I may not have been in the same position. Although, I must say, I believe everything happens for a reason, and it has given me a whole new perspective to see through. 

I'm by no means well again, but I'm on my way and slightly more optimistic. So here goes, my blog on the little things that will help, whether you realise it at the time or not.

- Katie :-)

P.s. Don't forget to smile; Small Moments In Life Everyday.