Feeling stuck in a depressive episode? You’re not alone.
Here is a guide filled with real, doable strategies to help you through a depressive episode. One small step at a time.

Check out the guide now — your future self will thank you.

#MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone #SelfCareJourney #OneStepAtATime #DepressionSupport

http://ittybitty4life.com/2025/04/26/how-to-navigate-depressive-episodes-without-losing-your-mind/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Hey knitters! Especially in Oregon… but if you’re somewhere else and want to mail hats to me, message me.

https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2025/04/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest-anniversary-inspires-knit-for-mental-fitness-campaign.html?outputType=amp

After a week of not running I got myself back out there. Super proud of myself because it’s taken me days to push myself back out the door.
I struggle massively to get out and exercise I have to have loads of things in place and it’s a whole thing just to force myself outside. The promise I made to myself that I will push myself this year to improve my mental health is thankfully still the loudest voice. The self doubt, anxiety, darkness and trauma are still extremely loud and I battle with poor mental health constantly but the important thing is that I’m still fighting, fighting for myself. None of this is easy at times it feels impossible but I don’t allow myself to give up on myself. If you are struggling with your mental health remember you are worth fighting for and fight for yourself, just a little win makes all the difference. You’ve got this and you are so worth it, keep going and keep fighting for you . #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #ptsdrecoveryjourney #complextrauma #running #runningmotivation #thisgirlcan #thisgirlcanrun #positivity #keepgoing #youareworthit #youmatter #fightforyou

Nutrition has always been an issue for me, carbs and sugar are very much my downfall. I have now committed myself to my mental health and fitness journey and a huge positive contributing factor to that is eating healthier and ensuring my body now gets the nutrition it needs. My lifestyle is changing and I need better eating and drinking habits for my body to heal and be able to progress.
The 1st change I have made is drinking water, I barely drink water which I know is awful but this journey is about honesty and honestly some days I don’t even drink a glass of water. So that was the 1st thing that needed to change, I have frozen berries and a scoop of collagen in my water bottle. I then use the berries to get a portion of fruit down me, I’m really not a lover of fruit so the past two mornings I’ve added it to a protein yoghurt for my breakfast. Any tips on a healthy way to eat my portion of berries are very welcome. I then refill my water bottle and drink that.
I’m making gradual changes as I get easily overwhelmed and I don’t want to affect my mental health or have my brain process these changes as anything but positive. I’m happy with the start I’ve made, it’s been a long time coming. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #healthyeating #healthyfood #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #healthybodyhealthymind #nutrition #recovery #recoveryjourney #exercise #runningtherapy

As I am still a non smoker I’ve decided to use some of the money saved on myself. It’s so easy to let the “extra” money get eaten up by bills etc because let’s be honest when you are on a tight budget there are always essentials to spend our money on, especially with rising prices.
When I smoked I used rolling tobacco and smoked very little so my “extra” isn’t loads but it’s still more. I’ve thought a lot about what I can do for myself and I’ve chosen something fairly simple. I need to drink way more water than I do and as I’m not far off 46 I need to start looking after my body more before menopause hits. I’m aware that when menopause does hit my hair, skin, nails and joints will be affected so I’m going to try a daily dose of collagen to see if I notice a difference. I also barely eat fruit as I’m not too keen on it so I’m also going to add some frozen berries to my water, that I will eat once I’m done with my water.
I am noticing that the big boost in exercise whilst great for my mental health, those natural hormone boosts that come with exercise are super helpful for someone like me with awful mental health but no medications have worked for me so I’m reliant on exercise and also I’m now looking at diet and supplements to also possibly help, my body is struggling to keep up and recover.
I’m hoping by starting to make little changes to my diet and other things that my recovery will start to improve and my body will start to keep up. If nothing else I’m getting much needed water into my body. I will update when I notice a difference. #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #exercise #activelifestyle #healthcare #stopsmoking #stopsmokingstartliving #fruit #water #collagen #takecareofyourmentalhealt #littlechanges #littlechangesbigresults #takecareofyourself #takecareofyourtemple #takecareofyourmachine

Needed to escape from my head and get a win. So I did my 2nd hike yesterday up Pendle Hill over 1,800ft it was stunningly beautiful, challenging and peaceful in equal measure. The silence was something else, there was barely a soul about and the quiet and stunning views were something else. My mind completely emptied surrounded by the beauty and peace. I don’t know if I’m just picking the right time or places or both but my 2 hikes have been so quiet and solitary, it’s been perfect. I achieved a higher elevation so I got my win and absorbed so much beauty it made my heart beyond full. Got quite emotional when I got to the top. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #nature #naturelover #naturalbeauty #pendlehill #hike #hikelife #hikevibes #hikeingadventures

Providing children (and ourselves) with tools to manage anxiety is important. Our executive director Jen Fischer shares the books and tools that work for her family at Multicultural Kid Blogs. https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2024/11/04/managing-anxiety-tools-and-books-that-work-for-my-family/

#Anxiety #Bookstodon #MentalHealth #MentalWellness #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #Education #Homeschoolig #Parenting #Families @education @mentalhealth @bookstodon

Two months of not smoking, that’s huge for me. Still very much taking it a day at a time and still using nicotine mints and gum but even that is getting gradually less. Been trying to work on running faster so I’ve been doing shorter faster runs. Can’t say I’m getting the same benefit from it mental health wise as it was supposed to be about escaping into my runs to switch off I’m actually not sure how it ended up the way it has. I do want to beat my 5k PB but once I achieve that I can go back to enjoying my runs again. I’m honestly unsure that it’s the right move for me as my mental health has took a nose dive, the 2nd morning was brutal it took about an hour to get out the door and I had sat crying for 20 mins then cried during my run. It then didn’t help getting laughed at by some girl running the opposite way with her mate, it’s the 2nd time this has happened since I started back on the 1st January.
So to all you fit, fast, skinny birds good for you that you look great and are fab runners. Not all of us are like you, yes I’m fat and awkward but I’m having a go and working ridiculously hard to get out the door to run and improve my physical and mental health. So perhaps think twice before giving a snide look and laughing, try and put yourself in my shoes. To the beautiful humans that smile and encourage thank you so very much these small interactions make difficult days brighter.
Still going and still trying to improve my life and mental health . #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #ptsd #ptsdawareness #ptsdrecovery #running #runningmotivation #runningtherapy #bekind #thisgirlcanrun #keepgoing #staystrong #positivevibes

Recognizing this complexity is the first step toward emotional clarity.
https://retroworldnews.com/how-to-untangle-your-emotions-a-practical-guide-to-finding-inner-peace/

Even with the exercise my mental health is still a major battleground. The endorphines are a huge help as none of the many many medications I’ve tried have worked for me, they actually made me feel way worse.
I still have to plan and put things in place so that I can force myself out the door and even then it can all go to pot. So I’m having to respect my limitations whilst trying to push myself as hard as I am able. I was supposed to run yesterday but it took my two hours to force myself out of bed and I couldn’t force myself out that door no matter how hard I tried it was all too much. I though today would be the same as I couldn’t get myself out of my bed and face the world, it took an hour to get me out of the door and I almost turned around and went back home a few times. I truly pushed myself to my limit today mentally and physically every step was hard fought for so I’m really proud to of ran 11.5k running until my legs could go no further and I ran my fastest 10k.
Fighting against PTSD and complex trauma is a beast, one that frequently brings me to my knees but one I keep fighting anyway. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #ptsd #ptsdawareness #ptsdrecovery #complextrauma #complextraumarecovery #running #runningmotivation #runningtherapy #10k #thisgirlisonfire #thisgirlcan #thisgirlcanrun

In the latest instalment of Emma’s midlife crisis she goes on her 1st hike. Encounters some serious beauty and surrounds herself in nature. At times it’s that quiet and there are no people around that she feels like the only soul on the planet.
Rivington pike loop is a challenging hike, the elevation gains at times had me hearing my heart in my ears and was really out of breath. The steep walk down was a huge challenge for me as I hate heights at one time I wouldn’t of had the courage to take such a steep route down so I’m really proud of myself for that. Some very boggy areas on the moors to navigate, again a new experience for me. Proud of myself for choosing my 1st route to challenge me to my limits as well as emersing myself in so much beauty. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #ptsd #ptsdawareness #ptsdrecovery #complextrauma #complextraumarecovery #hike #1sthikeever #hikelife #hikeuk #rivingtonpike #winterhill #lancashiremoors #nature #beauty #peace #calm #quietthechaos

@marqle It was a rubbish case, and should never have been brought to court. There are far too many of these petty, trivial, spite-filled suits tying up court time. Media is all about trashy magazine sensationalism these days.
#MentalHealthMatters

Did you miss me? Because I missed you!! I've been sick, but I'm back! How are you doing?

#DailySelfie #BlackMastodon #MakeupForMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters
#Ootd #nonbinary #Queer #QueerJoy #drstarshine

#PalUpNow! Conecta A Personas Ansiosas Con Compañeros Solidarios.

Be a Pal!
Get a Pal!

#spanish #blog #languages #translation #MentalHealthMatters #communities

PalUpNow! Conecta A Personas Ansiosas Con Compañeros Solidarios
https://palupnow.com/blogs/f/palupnow-conecta-a-personas-ansiosas-con-compañeros-solidarios

At first, I was unsure I even wanted to get to the stage of knowing what mental health issue(s) I had, without it being an Official Diagnosis. I thought I would lose my sense of self and who I am.

After this morning, I'm beginning to feel okay with knowing that I, in reality, have cPTSD and GAD. I'm not sure I'm quite ready for it to be put on my NHS record just yet, but that can be done in the future if I want to. But for now, I'm okay with where I'm at.

So, I've been offered an appointment with the Newcastle Specialist Community Psychology Service for next Monday. It's at the Cresta Clinic on the Campus for Ageing and Vitality. Took me 2 months of fighting, but I've made it! Just now need to see what happens.

Had a brutal night filled with really traumatic night terrors so all I wanted to do was wrap myself in my blanket and wallow in the darkness. I pushed myself really hard not to give in and help myself by getting out the door. My head gave me every reason not to go out and run but I fought back really fucking hard got myself out the door and get some exercise, fresh air and switch off the darkness and pain.
I’m really proud of my achievements today as they were fought for, trying to recover from complex trauma and PTSD is a tough and long road but on I’m determined to keep walking (or running). Go me!! Go sports!!!! #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #ptsd #ptsdawareness #ptsdrecovery #complextrauma #complextraumarecovery #running #tennis #parklife #exercise #freshair #thisgirlcan #thisgirlcanrun #gosports

I almost didn't take a selfie today!! It was a demanding week, but I made it through! I de-escalated panic attacks, voiced my fears, and breathed through tough times.

Here's to the weekend!!

#DailySelfie #blackmastodon #MentalHealthMatters
#Ootd #nonbinary #Queer #drstarshine #TGIF

From this point forward anyone mentioning the 47th president or his billionaire wanker stooge social media cuntlord will be blocked.

You have no idea just how much I needed this win today, the past few days have been absolutely brutal. My mental health has been on the floor and I’ve been in the darkest place. I got up and I put my make up on (a mask of make up is essential for me when I feel this crap about myself or I won’t get out the door) then went to the river for a morning run. It was a challenging run my brain telling me I’m not good enough in so many ways but I needed the win so I took control and got myself the win. I know this doesn’t fix anything but I needed to remind myself that I am a strong and powerful woman that can fight back, even against my own poor mental health. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #ptsd #ptsdawareness #ptsdrecovery #running #runningtherapy #riverrun #win #postivevibes #hope