Later this month I’m hosting a blog carnival and the subject is mental heath.
This is not as one wag suggested “where we all mentally get dressed in feathers and visualise with calming mood music dancing down a street”. Although I wouldn’t rule that out if it works.
What I’m talking about is mental heath or the lack thereof. Have you been affected by it – your own or other people’s?
For example, depression is astonishingly common these days, yet we still whisper about it in corners. In an entirely unscientific survey of my close female friends, I’d say all but about two are on anti-depressants.
I had/still have depression that started after my youngest son was born. I have written quite a bit about it and about how my blog helped me feel better.
I’m convinced that having a blog about it is pretty good therapy, so I’m holding a carnival – a parade of blog posts – later this month. I’d love to see what you’ve written either previously or especially for this one.
The mental heath carnival is Carol’s idea over at Dance Without Sleep. There will be one every month.
If you don’t have a blog or you want to write anonymously, drop me a line and I’ll post your thoughts here. (ellenarnison@hotmail.com)
Otherwise, leave your post link in comments here or on twitter (@Ellen27). It’s time to blog the blues away.
It would be helpful to have the posts by 20 Jan to publish on 23 Jan. Thanks
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Hi Ellen, I have written a number of posts about depression, like this one – http://www.vegemitevix.com/2011/06/always-look-on-the-bright-side-of-life/
Thanks Vix, that'll do nicely.
I have one two or three for you!
this is just my feet – I look forward to seeing them.
Ill be able dig one out about post natal depression if that would be any use? Also I have had depression and general/social anxitey I have not blogged about before but would not mind at if you think these are useful
Hannah
It's so true Ellen. I have had mental health issues (depression), including post-natal and currently being treated by medication which is making me feel nauseous all the time but helping the mood. As a teenager at boarding school (you may recall) I also had anorexia, requiring 3 months hospital stay: something which I still don't talk about now. I don't tend to blog but my way of coping has been poetry – some pretty dark stuff sometimes but I think it's my way of letting it out. Probably, as with mental health issues, I tend to keep how I am feeling to myself. However it would be great to see what others have written and blogged as their outlet.
CupcakeMumma, I'd love to see your post on PND and if you fancy writing about depression and anxiety that would be great too.
Tracey, Thanks for your comment. I remember. Some anti-depressant side effects do settle down, or try a different one. Sally might be able to help with drugs advice what with her being a pharmacist and all. If you want to share a poem – anonymously or otherwise – you'd be more than welcome.
I have many many many posts dealing with my mental health…can we just link to my Category? http://www.leyser.org/TeeBlog/?cat=12
Hi Robyn/tee, absolutely. Thanks.
Here you go Ellen. http://herabsentmind.blogspot.com/
This is my safety valve. I've always written things down – poetry, journals etc. as a way of dealing with my emotions and mental health so blogging about caring 24/7 for my mother who has vascular dementia just seemed like a natural thing to do.
Ellen, here's mine:http://selfhelpandrecovery.com/?p=4
I love reading and writing about mental health issues; very good idea of carnival!
Sorry, here's the right link: http://selfhelpandrecovery.com/depressionor-life-is-a-bitch-and-then-you-die/
(still working things out on my new blog, I'm afraid)
Hi, My son, what a roller coaster of ride, A mummy on anti depression out of the tiredness and the continuous battle for support for this fabulous energetic boy…I wrote my very first post about it…Brave but inspiring- this blog of mine has become a creative outlet…Food became my therapy, when emotions were running high I baked, a lot!http://www.thecommunalpantry.com/1/post/2012/01/homework-the-good-the-evil-and-the-useless.html
Bee, Thanks very much.
Lauren, great stuff – thanks.
The Communal Pantry, Thank you, delicious.
Hi I hope this is of some use. My blog post about Post Natal Depression.
Hannah
http://cupcakemumma2011.blogspot.com/2011/11/post-natal-depression-day-i-lost-my.html
http://atleastdaddycancook.blogspot.com/2012/01/world-without-wine.html
Claire x
I have wanted to write a post for a long time but find this really hard to write about as was affected really badly. Maybe blogging is thearapy and i should be brave and write the post. I am taking part in grooving mums and write a weekly post on how im moving forward from a difficult time
Cat x
Blogging can be very theraputic. Why don't you try writing it first and then see how you feel about publishing it on a blog. I think sometimes just getting it down is enough to help with moving on.
I wrote one qquite a while ago which is here http://theramblingpages.blogspot.com/2011/10/bonding-and-post-natal-depression.html but I am struggling again so in the near future might be writing another one! Think this is a great idea x