How my life changed in 2018...


I can’t quite think of one word that sums up my 2018, it’s been a challenging, draining year but has also been a year with some amazing opportunities. 

Never did I think I would have to step up several times to look after several family members, however it has taught me some valuable lessons. I have been in a predicament were no services would help so I had to provide care myself to some of my loved ones which at times was extremely difficult, but this gave me an insight into what it is like for a large proportion of our population. An extremely huge number of people care for their loved ones and do this without any help and support as there is not enough services out there that provide this. However, in my time of need I was able to access a Carers Centre were I felt listened to and I was given the help and support I needed as a carer.




This all happened at the beginning of the year and it was when I noticed my mental health deteriorating again. This time I knew I needed help and I went and found this. Throughout this year I have been under several different services which have all been amazing and helped me in my recovery. Now at the end of 2018 I am able to say I’m a lot better than I was at the beginning but I’m not fully recovered and I am still under services to help me further. 

However, I have had some of the most amazing opportunities this year, I was featured in a project BBC done for mental health awareness week 2018, I’ve written several blog posts for other people, I’ve started my own blog, met some of the most amazing people who are now some of my closest friends, started uni and got an amazing job. 

This year has been a emotional roller-coaster, I’ve experienced some of my lowest moments but also some of my happiest moments too. At the beginning of this year I didn’t want to make it to the end of this year and I didn’t see a point to life anymore, but here I am now at the end of the year writing this and I’m glad I am. 
No matter how difficult life seems there is ALWAYS a reason to live even if you don’t think there is. 

Despite all of this I still managed to make it to the end of the year, I may not have the same people by my side as I did at the beginning but I am leaving the year with the most amazing, supportive people. 

2018 will be a year that I will never forget, but not one I will dwell over. Despite all of the darkest moments, I’ve had some of the best moments too and these are the ones which I will remember. 
Never let a mental health diagnosis define you as a person.

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