Shortlisted in UK’s Mental Health and wellbeing Awards

I’m really excited to be shortlisted in The UK’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards, for an award in the category of
Inspirational Mental Health Story (lived experience).

It’s organised by The Root of it and The Mental Health Tick and I’m so excited to be attending an awards ceremony on Zoom later this month.

Getting awards like this makes blogging, campaigning and raising awareness about living with life threatening allergies and a life limiting skin condition, (eczema and topical steroid withdrawal) all worthwhile.

The anxiety, fear, pain and discomfort, take a huge toll on mental health. Being able to turn up day in day out with positivity, confidence and hope for a better future takes a lot of work.

So it’s both an honour and a privilege to be shortlisted for this award.

I have learnt so much about self love, self esteem, self care and gentle kindness through both anaphylaxis and eczema.

You don’t need to be strong and on top of it all.

You just need to accept what you are living with and learn to live with it the best you can.

Both allergies and eczema have also taught me so much empathy for others. When you face death or live with extreme pain and live through that experience it gives you a whole new perspective on life.

I remember feeling this huge buzz the morning after my last anaphylactic attack. I realised that I felt so alive that it hurt. It hurt but that meant I was still here and that was such a precious gift.

Realising that it was OK to not be OK. That having a bad day didn’t mean I was a failure or a terrible person seems obvious but I had always put so much pressure on myself, particularly to help others, at the detriment of looking after myself.

You are worthy of love and you are perfect just the way you are. Remember that!

(Skin positivity cards are from The Real Skin Club. Visit my affiliate page for a link and promo code (SHAPEOFSKIN) to buy at 20% off.

Be kind to yourself today. Be gentle and talk to yourself like you speak to a good friend or a small child. We are often our worst inner critic and say such mean things to ourselves inside our heads. Remember that you are not this voice, you are not your thoughts. Let them go, don’t give them time, just acknowledge and wave them off as they pass.

And wish me luck in the awards!