Knowing the Right Thing to Do for Your Mental Health

Knowing what to do for the best to help your mental health is as just as an important consideration as what to do to help your physical health. However within society it is not often see like that. Its seem like physical health is first and foremost in the eyes of of world and struggling with your mental health is shameful and there is something serious 'wrong' with you if you cant 'Handle' what ever life throws at you. I have been referred to as weak many a times all because i have had struggles with my mental health. Im here to tell you everyone struggles and those who tell you they dont by following some exercise routine or certain diet are not telling you the truth.   

So where does this image of bad mental health equals bad person come from? Why do we as human beings believe we are better or worse that someone else based on how we have managed a hard emotional  or physical time? Why do we always come out with the phrase there are people who are worse off than me i should feel the way i feel. its like we set ourselves up to be on the back foot before we have even started by trying to lessen our struggles, make them insignificant.  In my experience what this does is set you up to fall down hard and its a longer journey to get back up again. 

Of course each person's mental health journey is unique, influenced by personal experiences, emotions, and circumstances. Determining the right course of action for your mental health can be challenging. However, pretending there is not a problem and shoving you head in the sand is not only detrimental to you health both further impacting your mental health but also your physical health it can also impact you for many years to come contributing to more destress and a longer recovery.  

I am not going to get into the debate in this blog about mental health vs mental illness, i am just going to talk about some general reflections that has helped me to identify when i have been on the right path to taking care of my mental well-being whether successfully or not. 

The first thing i am going to talk about is self-awareness. i have found understanding your mental health needs begins with self-awareness. There are two things that i feel are quite important when trying to improve or protect your Mental well being. 

The first is: 

• Being able to Tune Into Your Feelings: For me this means paying attention to my emotions. Am i  consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Identifying these feelings is the first step in addressing them. Its like when they say admitting there is a problem is the first step to solving it. 

The Second is:

• Reflect on Your Thought Pattens: Notice patterns in your thinking. Are there recurring negative or self-critical thoughts? Understanding these patterns can help you recognise when you need to take action.

Next is Recognising Symptoms whether Physical, Behavioural or Emotional.

Being aware of common symptoms of mental health issues can guide you in knowing when to seek help.

• Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns can all be signs of mental health struggles. The list here could go on they are limited to the things mentioned above. Once i became almost unable to walk with a bad back and used a walking stick when i was depressed due to a past relationship life is challenging sometimes a deterioration in our mental well being show themselves in unexplainable ways. 

• Behavioural Changes: These can be things like withdrawal from social activities, changes in performance at work and a loss of interest in hobbies. These are all indicators that something might be wrong. 

• Emotional Indicators: Persistent sadness, irritability, or feelings of hopelessness are clear signs that you need to address your mental health. These can be the most hardest i have found as a society we are all to often use to say we are fine when that is far from the truth. Admitting we are struggling proves great strength and self awareness and sometimes we are not fine and its ok to say that out loud.

Seeking Professional Guidance is another avenue that is open to you. When in doubt, seeking the help of a mental health professional is always a good step. 

• Therapists and Counsellors: They can provide a safe space to talk about your feelings and develop strategies to cope with them. Unfortunately with this some are better than others like anything but finding a professional you can build a relationship with is for me the most important thing in finding what recovery is for you. 

• Psychiatrists: They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, often through medication and other therapeutic techniques. Sometimes you have to try a few different medications until you find the right one for you but it is worth preserving, cause when its right it can be a significant help. 

• Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable support and insights. This is something so worth while if you have a long term issues that might impact you mental health finding your tribe people who just get it, is really important to feel less alone. 

I am very lucky to have access to a wonderful psychiatrist attached to my diabeties clinic who has helped me identify when things are going off track, when i am being too hard on myself and when i need to take a step back from life to protect my mental health.  She also have been really helpful in finding the right medication that works for me even though at times i have been suborn about taking it. Find the right professional that gets you, and also calls out your crap cause it can be lifesaving. 

Evaluating Your Support System is also crucial. Having a good quality support system around you in your daily life can be hugely beneficial. It doesn't have to be just friends and family but it can be a support group, or being a part of a club. One size doesn't fit all.    

• Talk to Trusted Friends and Family: Sharing your feelings with people you trust can provide emotional support and practical advice. As well as let people know where you mental health is at and if you many need greater support. 

• Build a Support Network: If you feel isolated, try to expand your support network. This can include joining clubs, groups, or online communities related to your interests or experiences. It helps build confidence and you can find people like yourself you may be struggling with managing the day to day. 

Recognising When to Seek Help is Sometimes, knowing when you can't fix it yourself.

• Emergency Situations: If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help from a crisis hotline or emergency services.

• Persistent Issues: If your symptoms persist despite your efforts, it may be time to seek professional help.

Adopting Healthy Habits is something else worth consideration. Now i would like to say i am not one for saying more exercise will cure you mental destress, or eating a more balanced diet will make you better but a collection of some or all of these things can contibute to have a significant impact on your mental health. Things such as 

• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition can influence your overall well-being and mental health.

• Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Activities like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and increase mental clarity.

There are many more things that can help to like getting more sleep, finding a new hobby you enjoy the most important message here is find what works for you. 

Setting Boundaries and knowing when to say no is essential for protecting your mental health.

• Personal Boundaries: Ensure you have time for yourself and your needs. Don’t overcommit to activities or responsibilities that overwhelm you.

• Professional Boundaries: Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Avoid taking work home and ensure you have time to recharge.

Finally Checking in with Yourself Regularly can help you stay on track.

Tasks such as: 

• Journaling: Writing about your feelings and experiences can help you track your mental health over time. This can be both long hand using a journal note book or using apps on your smart phone or table. 

• Self-Reflection: Periodically ask yourself how you're feeling and whether your current strategies are working.

Knowing the right thing to do for your mental health involves a combination of self-awareness, professional guidance, support from loved ones, and healthy habits. It's a continuous process of reflection, assessment, and adjustment. Remember, it's okay to seek help, and taking steps to care for your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. Everyone's journey is unique, so be patient with yourself and find what works best for you.

What about if i am not 'Sick' enough? Facing the reality of an Eating Disorder Assessment Again

Facing the reality of any eating disorder treatment is daunting. Living with an eating disorder can feel like being trapped in a prison of your own making, with no visible way out. The bars of this prison are built from a complex mix of psychological, emotional, and physical factors, all of which conspire to create a sense of entrapment and hopelessness. The thought of undergoing an assessment can be particularly terrifying, fraught with fear, uncertainty, and the stigma associated with having an eating disorders. This blog post explores my emotional turmoil of preparing for my third Eating Disorder Assessment, the reasons behind my personal fear, and how i am finding a way to confront it.

An eating disorder doesn't appear overnight. It often develops over time, with seemingly innocuous thoughts and behaviours gradually forming the walls of the prison. The mental aspect of an eating disorder is perhaps the most confining. Thoughts become consumed by food, body image, and self-worth. The constant internal dialogue is relentless, criticising every bite, every glance in the mirror, and every perceived imperfection. This mental chatter can be so overwhelming that it drowns out any rational thought, reinforcing the prison's walls.

Emotions play a significant role in reinforcing the eating disorder. Feelings of inadequacy, shame, and guilt become intertwined with eating habits and body image. The disorder often serves as a misguided coping mechanism for dealing with deeper emotional pain. Every time these emotions are triggered, the chains tighten, making it even harder to break free.

Physically, the eating disorder takes a toll on the body, leading to a range of health issues that can feel like shackles. Nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, and other medical complications can make it seem impossible to envision a life outside the disorder. The physical consequences serve as constant reminders of the prison, making escape seem ever more daunting. The physical toll of Type 1 disordered eating is immense. Chronic high blood sugar levels can lead to complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease. The body becomes a battleground, caught between the need for proper diabetes management and the destructive impulses of the eating disorder. For me I worried that the intricacies of managing diabetes such as how would they balance the need for strict glucose control with the psychological aspects of my eating disorder? This uncertainty made the prospect of an assessment even more intimidating.

When I first got a referral to my local Eating Disorder Service, the idea of an assessment loomed large in my mind. I was filled with questions: What would they ask? Would they judge me? Would they understand my struggles, especially since I also live with Type 1 diabetes? These unknowns fed into my anxiety, making the prospect of an assessment feel like an insurmountable hurdle. My first assessment occurred during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the country was in lock down and the NHS was overwhelmed trying to deal with this nightmare sweeping across the country.  

One of the biggest fears was the potential for judgment. Eating disorders carry a lot of stigma, and I worried that healthcare professionals might see my struggles as a personal failure rather than a complex mental health issue. This fear was compounded by my experiences with diabetes, where I had sometimes felt judged for my weight and my ability to manage my condition. I dreaded that an eating disorder assessment might bring more of the same. Facing an eating disorder means confronting deeply ingrained behaviors and thought patterns. The assessment process felt like a spotlight shining on my most vulnerable parts, forcing me to acknowledge and articulate the ways in which my eating disorder had taken hold of my life. The idea of laying bare my struggles in front of a stranger was enough to make me want to turn back and avoid the process altogether.

I wish i could say that my first interaction with the Eating Disorder service was a positive one but unfortunately it was not. After a difficult 1.5 hour teams assessment where a psychiatrist, asked me questions, but did not really listen to my answers, told me that my main risk factor was the fact i had Type 1 diabeties rather than how my Eating Disorder was affecting my mental health and finally that there was no real resources to support me i hung up and began to wonder why the hell did i put myself through all of that for nothing. It was safe to say i made the decision there and then to withdraw from all services including my diabetic team as i felt there was no one who was going to help me. No one who had any idea what this hell felt like and no one who had the time to help me. 

The admissions to hospital in DKA continued to come, as well as the decline in my mental health. I was done, i could not see a way out, i wanted to die, i had made the decision that to die was better than to live like this anymore. It had become my sole aim. I continued to not take my insulin, watching my blood sugars climb higher and higher day after day, and engage in my other eating disorder behaviours such as restriction of food, binging and purging, laxative abuse and over exercising.  

In 2022 i was facing a second Eating Disorder Assessment with a different NHS trust after moving house to the Kent Coast. This time the assessment was reasonably short about 30 min phone call, the gentleman on the end of the phone was kind but unsure how to help. He told me he would discuss me at a MDT meeting and get back to me. Within a week i had a physical assessment at the local ED hub, which included bloods and a chat over the phone with a ED nurse. I was again in DKA and they wanted me to go to hospital which i refused, i gave myself a few units of insulin and kept moving forward. I then had a more in depth assessment 2 weeks later with a ED nurse and a dietition that had some knowledge of diabeties. The assessment was 2 hours long and included medical monitoring and loads of questions. I did not liked to be weighted so i refused this issue started to drive a wedge between myself and the service. After about 2 months it was decided that this ED service was not going to offer any help either. I was told it was because i was "to complex" and that i wouldn't adhere to being weighed. To me the most important aspect was trying to keep me out of hospital not a number on a set of scales.   

My last hospital admission in DKA came in November 2022. At this time i had had no real amount of insulin since March 2020. I was due to fly to New Zealand in December on a trip we had been waiting for since 2020 and nothing was going to stop me getting on that plane. As i sat in the hospital bed with my wife holding my hand i decided that although being thin was my ultimate goal i did not want to be unwell on the other side of the world and that maybe taking a few units of insulin a day was not so bad. I mean it was no where near perfect but i knew something had to change. 

I have to say at this point this is no way my whole story but we dont have forever and im sure you are getting bored by now.  So how did we get to the point that i am now about to embark on the third Eating Disorder Assessment with yet again a different NHS trust. Believe me its not really something that i want to do however i have found my self in a place where one eating disorder behaviour have been over taken by another and what was an obviously way to destroy my body (insulin omission) has turned into one of insulin omission through the back door as someone said to me recently by basically not eating so not having to take insulin. 

So what have i learnt from my last two eating disorder assessments that i am hoping will help me embrace this one and move forward in my recovery. 

The first step is to acknowledge and accept my fear. I am allowing myself to feel anxious and scared, recognising that these emotions are a natural response to a very real challenge. I have told my health care team my fears and the reason for them, some have been respectful, some not so much but hey at least i have done the right thing and admitted it. 

Secondly i am educating myself. Knowledge is power. I have been spending time researching what a proper eating disorder assessment typically involves. Understanding the process more. Knowing what i should expect helps me to feel more prepared and less vulnerable. 

I have reached out to people I trust and have shared my fears with them. Talking to friends, family, has provided a sense of support. It has helped me feel less alone and more understood.

I still have many question, mainly what about if they think i am not sick enough to warrant help? However at the moment i am trying to focus on the bigger picture reminding myself of why my health care team have been seeking an assessment in the first place: to reclaim my health and my life. 

Being terrified of an eating disorder assessment is a common and understandable fear. The process can feel overwhelming, especially when compounded by the complexities of managing a condition like Type 1 diabetes. However, by acknowledging my fears, educating myself, seeking support, and focusing on my long-term health, i am hoping to find the strength to move forward. Remember, seeking help is a brave and important step towards reclaiming your life and well-being.

The Impact of Diabetes on my relationship with my body

I have one question for you..... Have you ever thought about how having diabeties effects the relationship you have with your body?

As we know diabetes is a chronic condition that requires constant attention to food, exercise, and blood glucose levels. While the physical and medical aspects of managing diabetes are well-documented, the psychological impact is often overlooked, although now a days more attention is being given to the impact having a chronic health condition can have on ones mental health. 

The question above is the the focus of this blog. I do want to say these are my own personal feeling and you might feel different about how having this condition affects your body and how you feel about it. However i think it is important that we acknowledge that having diabeties in what ever form, does have some bearing at one time or another on how we feel about our bodies. 

Diabeties requires the daily routine of managing diabetes involves frequent monitoring of levels, calculating carbohydrate intake, and adjusting insulin doses, all of which can significantly impact one's lifestyle and self-perception. It can even change on days when the sun shines compared to when it is raining and each of these things are both unique and individual to all people who have diabeties in there very own way. 

I have never felt at ease in my own body even as a youngster but when i was diagnosed with Type 1 diabeties at 19 i felt i lost a part of my personal identity. I believed i was no longer Kathryn but a diabetic and there was a certain image i had to try and fit into. I never could put my finger on it but i always felt different to many other people i saw who had diabeties. I believed that my body was the problem, the way it reacted to having diabeties was different to others and i started to wonder if i fitted in the 'type 1' community at all, whether i would be accepted as my body did not look or reacted in the same way as others who had this condition.  

Over the years i began to realise how much managing my diabetes impacted how i saw my own body. It requires such a high level of attention, this constant focus on the body's functions and appearance heighten my awareness of my physical attributes and lead to an unhealthy preoccupation with body image. Whether it was being wighted in clinic, having my eye screening, being told that my Hba1c was too high and that i must do better it all started to have a negative affect on how i saw my body. The fact that i had to give my body so much time that i did not have started a lot of resentment for the constant interruptions diabeties was having to my daily life. 

There are also other things that have impacted my relationship with my own body. Insulin therapy is essential for managing Type 1 diabetes this is all a message we know off by heart, but it can sometimes lead to weight gain. This side effect of weight gain can be particularly distressing when society places such a high value on slimness. The fluctuation in weight can feel like a personal failure, even though it's a part of managing diabetes.This idea of weight gain is something that is never really talked about during initial diagnosis, or on going care. There is a cloak and dagger association with this topic in diabetes services when everyone knows it happens but no one says anything in the hope that we might not notice believe me we notice. For me this lack of knowledge at the beginning lead me to believe even more that my body was defected, some how faulty and wrong. Weight gain, whether perceived or actual, can be distressing for individuals who are sensitive about their appearance, potentially triggering or worsening already unhealthy relationships they have with their bodies.  

There is also the constant battle with fluctuations in blood sugar and mood. Especially those who are female around the time of the month due to hormones, sorry guys. This can influence mood and mental health. I have found that these fluctuation especially in my hormones can make the connection i have to my body feel even more alien and cause me a lot of anxiety and annoyance that my blood sugars wont do the thing you want it to despite all the things you have done to help it along. Sometimes it feels like insulin is water and we are taking it just for the hell of it, i have believed at various points during the years i have had diabeties that i was just injected fat straight into self, which has contributed to my body image issues and has helped trigger an increase my eating disorder behaviours.

There is also the challenges of Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) experienced by all diabeties that can impact our mood and cause irritability, anxiety, and depression. These mood fluctuations can contribute to negative self-perception creating a vicious cycle of distress and dissatisfaction with one's body which can seem endless especially when things seem difficult with our diabeties management. 

Living with diabetes also means living with visible reminders of the condition.The use of technology such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and even the need for injections can result in visible marks, scars, or bruises on the body. For individuals already struggling with body image, these physical reminders of their condition can be distressing and contribute to feelings of self-consciousness and dissatisfaction. A lot of people choose to hide there diabeties technology away from the outside world believing that it draws attention to there body and emphasis that its different. These visible signs can sometimes feel like a spotlight on my condition, drawing unwanted attention and comments,I remember when i was Multiple daily injections (MDI) i would go into the bathroom to inject when i was out and about cause i did not want to offend anyone by injecting in the sight of others. I have at times also gone to the bathroom to test my blood sugar scared to show a little bit of blood as i was worried of what others might think, this of course was before the use of CGMs. This made me feel ashamed of my condition, that it was something that needed to be hidden, that it would make others feel uncomfortable this in tern made me uncomfortable with my own body. 

The social aspects of diabetes management add another layer of complexity. The element of navigating social situations, food, and the fear of hypos in public is another minefield people with diabeties have to content with. Whether it's explaining why I'm not drinking alcohol at a party or why I need to eat at a specific time, these interactions can be stressful and contribute to feelings of being different or isolated. Personally for me the fact that i have no hypo awareness has lead to a lot of uncomfortable conversation with people after a number of embarrassing moments when i have fainted in public due to low blood sugar and it is an added anxiety that i carry whenever i leave the house cause i never really know whether it is going to happen or not. These challenges can further impact one's self-esteem and body image. The constant need to manage and explain our condition to outsiders can make individuals feel alienated, exacerbating ideas that our bodies are not our own or are faulty. I have felt like i am constantly 'Coming Out' as diabetic which compounds my thoughts around how i am my condition and not a person in my own right.  

Over the years, I have tried—and the key word here is tried—somewhat unsuccessfully to maintain a balanced approach to a more positive relationship with my body. However, the complexities that Type 1 diabetes brings with it have often made this an uphill battle. However i have learned a few valuable lessons that have helped me navigate the complexities of Type 1 diabetes and body image. 

One of the most important lessons has been accepting that it's okay not to be perfect. This is been one of my hardest struggles and one that still challenges me every single day as i have such a perfectionist personality but sometimes we have to realise your body is doing its best to keep me alive and healthy no matter how unhealthy you may be treating it, and that in itself is something to be grateful for. Learning to appreciate my body's strength is a crucial step towards a more positive relationship with it. i have tried to cultivate self-compassion which involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times. Practicing self-compassion can reduce the internal pressure to achieve perfection and foster a more accepting and positive self-image.

Connecting with others who understand the challenges of living with diabetes has been a source of great comfort for me. Whether through support groups, online, or in real life friendships, having a network of people who "get it" makes a world of difference. They offer empathy, practical advice, and a sense of belonging. I talk about this a lot in my blogs but finding your tribe is sooooooo important, not just others who have the same condition as you, but people who accept you for who you are as an individual. People who pull you up when your on the floor, with love and understanding, people who cheer you on when your doing well and even those people who tell you your being a 'dick' when you are. Cause thats live, friendship, love and honesty. 

Im learning that a health body image isn't just about how I look, but about how I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Prioritising overall well-being, can help shift the focus away from appearance and towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. There is also no shame in admitting you are struggling with this and asking for help when the load gets too much to carry on your own. 

The journey towards a positive relationship with my body is ongoing and filled with ups and downs. There are days when I feel at peace with my body and days when I struggle. What has helped most is recognising that managing diabetes is a complex and demanding task. It's okay to have setbacks, and it's okay to seek help when needed. While the complexities of diabetes can make maintaining a positive body image challenging, id like to think that maybe one day it wont be an impossible task. By accepting imperfection, building a strong support network, and focusing on holistic health I'm learning to navigate life with diabetes with greater self compassion.

The Gatekeeping of Care: Arbitrary Metrics in T1DE & Eating Disorder Treatment

TW: This blog talks about Eating Disorder, BMI, Weight & Eating Disorder Behaviours. 

Eating disorders are severe life-threatening mental health conditions that require comprehensive and compassionate care. I will keep saying this until I am blue in the face or until changes happens which ever comes first. Yet, despite the severity and complexity of these illnesses, the treatment landscape remains deeply flawed. It is marred by systemic issues that hinder access to necessary support.

One of the major issue in receiving treatment is the pervasive misinformation and stigma that surrounds these conditions. Eating disorders are often dismissed as lifestyle choices or superficial problems, rather than recognised as serious illnesses. This stigma is not only prevalent in society but is alarmingly common within the medical community itself.

Another glaring problems is the reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) and other arbitrary metrics to determine eligibility for treatment. This gatekeeping mechanism not only undermines the complexities of eating disorders but also leaves countless individuals like me without the help they desperately need. BMI, is a simplistic and flawed metric when it comes to assessing mental health conditions. Eating disorders are not defined by weight alone; they encompass a wide range of behaviours, thoughts, and physical symptoms that can affect individuals of any size.

During my journey seeking help, I have been repeatedly told that my BMI does not fall within the “critical” range, and thus I was not “sick enough” to receive treatment. I have even started to believe that i am not worthy of care that i do not matter. The reliance on arbitrary metrics leads to the invisibility of those who do not fit the stereotypical image of an eating disorder patient.  Despite experiencing severe psychological distress and engaging in harmful behaviours, I am often dismissed because my weight is not low enough. This lack of recognition exacerbated my feelings of isolation and hopelessness, reinforcing the dangerous belief that I needed to be thinner or go back to insulin omission to be taken seriously. This is something i consider on a daily basis. 

It is well known that people who suffer with Eating Disorders move between behaviours, some might start with restriction of food, along with laxative abuse or obsessive exercising. People who experience T1DE may when they start recovery switch behaviours from insulin omission to food restriction, binging and purging behaviour, over exercising or all the above plus many more. But like i am finding there is no where for us to go to be treated as we no longer fit within the 'traditional' definitions used by many specialised centres of suffering from T1DE and we dont meet the criteria for many Eating Disorder Units cause our weight is not classed as 'critical'. So what happens to the many of us who fall between the gaps?

The answer from my experience is we just have to keep agreeing to be told we are not sick enough NO matter the personal cost. In the last 18 months i have been flirting with the line of Eating Disorder Recovery and recently have been asked to consider another Eating Disorder referral due to my drop in weight. This will be my third in the last few years. In conversations with HCPs the word ‘Just’ comes up a lot it’s ‘Just’ an assessment it’s ‘Just’ numbers it’s ‘Just’ a blood test. Let me be quite clear it’s not 'JUST' anything. It’s letting a new group of people into my deepest darkest secrets, it’s being judged by numbers on a set of scales, it’s talking to people who have no understand what it is like to live my life everyday. It’s having someone else decided if I deserve care or not based on an archaic theory that tells you nothing about someone’s health. Its hard and most of all it is scary. 

I have turned it down before and i am still undecided what to do this time, this is mainly to protect what is remaining of my mental health cause lets be honest as my Hba1c is back down to normal and i am not underweight it is highly unlikely that an Eating Disorder Service will agree to offer me any support at all and i refuse to go through the trauma cause thats exactly what it is, the trauma all over again to be told 'your suffering is not enough'.  

One of the most damaging consequences is the delay in receiving care is that eating disorders are progressive conditions that worsen over time. Early intervention is crucial for effective recovery, but the gatekeeping often means that individuals must reach a critical point before they are deemed worthy of help. This “wait until you’re worse” approach is not only illogical but also life-threatening. It even causes relapses, and the feeling that you do not deserve care. The extended period of untreated illness makes the fight for recovery more difficult and you are left feeling whats the point. 

There are broader issue within the NHS and a lack of understanding and appreciation for the complexities of eating disorders. There is NICE guidance that is worded on the criteria of Eating Disorder Treatment not being weight or BMI focused, however many of us know in reality the rationing and lack of funding has caused Eating Disorder services to use BMI as the sole indicator to dictate who receives care. Leaving many of us in bigger bodies feeling left to suffer with no where to turn. 

Another issue is we do not have a comprehensive diagnosis for T1DE,  we need a diagnosis that covers all Eating Disorder behaviours not just this focus and fascination on insulin omission. While insulin omission is of course serious and can make you seriously ill very quickly, it is not and should not be the only focus when someone cries out for help. We need a more wider diagnostic criteria. We need leaders to come to the table and be prepared to listen and understand that when people move into T1DE recovery whether they take there insulin should not be the main consideration anymore. Questions should reach broader subjects such as  behaviours, Mental Health struggles and whether your quality of life is being impacted. This will help to distill that you are more important than the numbers on the scales, your suffering is noticed and validated that you as a whole person matters. It’s time to dismantle the barriers and build a system that recognises and responds to the complexities of eating disorders within each individual in all their forms not just a number on a scale. 

The Healing Power of Music: Finding Solace in Sound

Music has always been a universal language, a thread that weaves through the fabric of human experience. It has the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and connect us in ways that words often cannot. For me, music has been more than just a background soundtrack to life; it has been a vital refuge during times of pain when darkness threatened to overwhelm me.

My love of music started a long time ago, before i even really understood the impact it could have. I was grappling with a lot, both emotional and physical trying to make sense of my world that at the time was chaotic and unpredictable.  

The first song that truly resonated with me was one I had heard countless times before, but in my moment of need, it took on a new significance. The lyrics spoke to my soul, articulating feelings I couldn’t express. The melody wrapped around me like a warm embrace, offering a sense of understanding and compassion. This experience marked the beginning of my relationship with music as a protective force.

One of the most powerful aspects of music is its ability to express emotions that are often too complex or painful to put into words. Whether through lyrics, melody, or rhythm, music can capture the essence of our deepest feelings. For someone struggling with mental health issues, this form of expression can be incredibly liberating.

Listening to music plays a crucial role in my journey with Type 1 diabeties. Studies have shown that music can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and even improve physical health by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. For me, music has been a way to calm my mind and soothe my soul when i feel like i cant think. 

During moments of despair I turn to music, seeking comfort in its familiar melodies. Certain songs became my go-to remedies for different emotions. When I felt anxious, I turned to pieces that helped slow my racing thoughts. When I feel sad, I listened to songs  that mirror my feelings, providing a sense of understanding. Upbeat tracks were my antidote to low energy, lifting my spirits and motivating me to keep moving forward. One step at a time, one foot in front of the other. 

Creating playlists are a vital part of my self-care routine. Each playlist is carefully curated with a collection of songs that resonated with specific feelings or needs. These playlists are my emotional toolkit, ready to provide the support I needed at any given moment especially when i feel alone, battered and bruised from events in the day. 

Another benefit is the sense of community music brings. Like Type 1 diabeties, sharing music with others, discussing  artists and songs, and attending live performances creates connections. This sense of community is invaluable. Music brings us together, offering a shared language of  hope.

Today, music remains a constant companion in my life. It continues to be a source of comfort, inspiration, and healing. While my journey with mental health and chronic illness is ongoing, music provides a consistent thread of meaning. It reminds me of my strength, my creativity, and my capacity for joy even in the midst of adversity.

To anyone facing their own battles, I encourage you to embrace the healing power of music. Let it be a source of comfort and strength. Whether you create your own music, listen to your favourite songs, or explore new genres, allow music to be a part of your everyday. It is a gift that is always available, ready to offer solace, expression, and connection. In the words of Plato, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Let music help you find your way back to yourself.  

Using Lego to Rebuild My Mental Health One Brick at a Time

 

Using Lego to Rebuild My Mental Health One Brick at a Time was never something i thought would be of any use when it was recommended to me by a friend.

In my struggles with T1DE, I never would imagined that something as simple as Lego bricks could become a crucial part of my recovery. At first glance, they might seem like simple plastic pieces meant for building models and structures, a mere toy. However, they offer much more than that. Engaging with LEGO can be a form of therapy, they have become a powerful tool for helping me to try and start to heal and rebuild my mental health.

The process of building with LEGO bricks requires focus and concentration, which can help divert the mind. It provides a structured yet flexible environment where individuals can express themselves freely and constructively. This process can be cathartic, helping to release pent-up feelings and providing a sense of relief.

My journey with Lego began during a particularly tough period in my life. I was overwhelmed with anxiety and depression, and my eating disorder had taken a toll on every aspect of my life. In a world that often feels chaotic, finding ways to cope with stress and maintain mental health is crucial. For many, creative outlets serve as a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. Whether it’s painting, writing, music, or even building with Lego these activities can provide a much-needed escape and a way to process emotions. 

Building with LEGO bricks serves as a form of brain silence. The repetitive action of snapping bricks together, the tactile sensation of the pieces, and the visual progress of the creation all contribute to a mindful experience. It allows me to be present in the moment, offering a respite from the worries and pressures of daily life.

LEGO bricks can also serve as a medium for emotional expression. For those who find it challenging to articulate their feelings verbally, building with LEGO can be a powerful alternative. You can create models that represent your emotions, experiences, or aspirations, giving form to your internal world. 

When you encounter a creative block yes the pun was intended, you learn to push through it, to find new solutions, and to keep going despite setbacks. These experiences translate into other areas of life. For instance, building with Lego has taught me patience. There are times when the right bricks that go together seems elusive, but through persistence and experimentation, I eventually find what I’m looking for. This is sort of like living with Type one diabeties. You sometimes have to try many things to find a solution to a problem. 

What i have also found is engaging with LEGO can foster social connections. Building together with family, friends, can enhance communication, collaboration, and bonding. Sharing a creative activity provides a common ground for interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. These connections offer support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, which are vital components of mental health.

If you’re interested in trying to build with LEGO, here are a few practical tips to get started:

1. Set Aside Time: Dedicate regular time for building with LEGO, treating it as part of your self-care routine. I tend to try and do an hour or so before i go to bed to try and settle my mind from thinking too much. 
2. Create a Calm Environment: Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus without distractions. My wife and I have a lego desk in our front room that we build on and thats our space to just be. 
3. Start Simple: Begin with small projects and gradually take on more complex builds as you become more comfortable. i started building my first model sat on my sofa one afternoon when i was off work. It helped give my day a sense of purpose. A goal to achieve. 
4. Follow Your Inspiration: Whether you follow instructions or create your own designs, let your inspiration guide you. Personally i follow the instruction booklets that come with the sets cause i like to use Lego as a way not to think and quieten my mind down after a busy day. 

If you’re seeking new ways to enhance your well-being, consider picking up some LEGO bricks. You might find that these colourful pieces can help you build not only structures but also a stronger, healthier mind one piece at a time.