This is not just a generic copy and paste written message. This is my true feeling on mental health. I have been through many ups and downs and, in all honesty, there have been times when I felt like I never wanted to be on this planet. Somehow, I have always managed to get through it and reach the brighter side.
I tried distracting myself with television, but when I was going through a bad time I couldn't concentrate or enjoy it. Not a chance would I try to read a book either—it just wouldn't help. I would drink alcohol and take drugs, but when I woke up the next day the bad thoughts were still there, often even worse. I would gamble for the thrill of hitting it big, only to end up feeling even more depressed after blowing a week's wages in just a few spins of roulette.
I had an outlet—well, a few actually—and they may not appeal to everyone reading this. I've always enjoyed exercise, so I would go to the gym and lift heavy weights. There is no better feeling than setting a new personal best on the bench press or deadlift. You can listen to your own music, switch off from the world and focus completely on yourself. After a few months you begin to see the difference in the mirror, and that feeling of pride is something nobody can take away from you. Exercise was, and still is, my favourite way of dealing with difficult times. It doesn't have to be weights either; it could be a walk in nature, a bike ride or a swim. Exercise releases endorphins that can lift your mood and leave you feeling like you've achieved something that day.
Another outlet for me was meditation. I would switch everything off, sit in the traditional meditation position with my legs crossed and focus on breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. I first learned this as a child at the end of every kickboxing lesson, and it has stayed with me ever since. It might seem like a silly thing to some people, but it helped me escape those negative thoughts and find a little peace.
There is so much more this world can offer you. You have to keep fighting, even when it feels impossible. Things might not get better tomorrow, but they can get better. We all need you to hold on and find your own outlet. For me now, that's also golf. I'm not very good at it, but I enjoy every minute. One of my goals is to stay on this planet long enough to retire, spend time with friends, travel around the country and play golf every week just for the enjoyment of it.
You are not alone and we will get though this together below are some mental health charities that will not judge you if you don't feel comfortable letting other people into your personal life, if you are depressed please use them, we need you, Lincoln City needs you, and more importantly you need yourself.
"Don't believe everything you think."
A different inspirational quote appears every day.
Take five minutes for yourself. Choose one activity below.
Breathe in for 4 seconds.
Hold for 4.
Breathe out for 4.
Hold for 4.
Repeat 5 times.
5 things you can see.
4 things you can touch.
3 things you can hear.
2 things you can smell.
1 thing you can taste.
Make yourself a tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Sit somewhere comfortable and enjoy five peaceful minutes.
Walk for five minutes. Notice the birds, trees, sky and fresh air around you.
Need five minutes to unwind? Listen to calming sounds, peaceful music and nature audio.
Read something that inspires you. Even a few minutes can help reset your thoughts.
Drink a full glass of water. Slow down. Take three deep breaths afterwards.
Stand outside for five minutes. Feel the fresh air. Listen to the world around you.
Send a simple message to someone. Even saying "Hi, how are you?" can brighten both your days.
You don't have to fix everything today. Getting through today is enough. You're doing better than you think.
