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The perfect gift idea for loved ones with mental illness

The perfect gift idea for loved ones with mental illness

by | Nov 10, 2017 | DEPRESSION

I’m OK

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Living with a mental illness is difficult all year round, but it can be especially testing at particular times such as birthdays and Christmas.

I personally feel like I don’t deserve to receive gifts at Christmas, because I feel like I’m a hassle to deal with a lot of the time.

Obviously that’s not true, but it just goes to show how your view of the world can easily become distorted when you have a mental illness.

Earlier this year I was sent a box of I Can Cards by the owner Amy, and they’ve been one of the most helpful things I’ve ever been sent.

Just a friendly reminder on this gloomy Monday 💪🏻

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Every day I pick one of the 25 cards, read the positive affirmation and use it as a ways to stay in tune with my mood throughout the day.

I actually record this daily on my Instagram stories so head over there if you want to see me talk more in depth about each card.

Each affirmation is written by people who have experienced the same life changing events and situations, which means every single card really resonates with me on a personal level.

It really is amazing how powerful affirmations can be, and how they can help set the tone for the rest of your day.

Amy sent me the Depression and Anxiety pack which I connected with instantly, and I’ve also bought the Self-Care pack for myself and as gifts for friends.

You can also choose the Warrior Woman, Single Parent, Break Up or Post-Natal Depression box.

“We are trying to offer comfort, motivation, reassurance and love through the cards, and most of all knowing that you aren’t alone and that others understand exactly what you are going through.

Sometimes there aren’t any solutions or quick fixes to tough situations, but there are still glimmers of hope and love that you can embrace.”

Amy has just announced that there is a special Self-Care Christmas box too, which is so gorgeous!

It comes with some chocolate, a handmade luxury candle, inspiration artwork, wrist reminder and of course a pack of I Can Cards.

They come beautifully hand wrapped too, and I know I’d be incredibly touched if someone gave me this as a gift.

They are a limited edition though so grab them quick!

Sometimes it’s hard for friends and family to find the words to say “I care” to those of us with mental illness. So why not say, “I can” instead?

Find out more here.

Postnatal depression – a letter from my friend Amy

Postnatal depression – a letter from my friend Amy

by | Aug 15, 2017 | DEPRESSION

Mental illness is a huge part of my life – a powerful force at times – and I know many of you are in the same situation. Although I’m comfortable talking about depression and anxiety there are some conditions that I don’t know anything about.

I was recently sent a box of I Can Cards from Amy, the creator of the amazing project which aims to help people feel better about their mental illness through positive affirmations. Since then I’ve got to know Amy, and she’s written this beautiful letter about postnatal depression. I just had to share it with you:

I have had a cloud over me all week, and I have had a complete barrier up getting ready for my son’s birthday. He is a character, very funny, the cutest thing on earth and has a huge heart that I am so proud of.

So why was I refusing to acknowledge this very important milestone of his 2nd birthday? I only realised when I sat down, the night before, to write in his birthday card, that’s when it hit me, I was feeling so guilty. Not the usual Mum guilt, but a disgusting resentful and deep seeded guilt.

I became overwhelmed by the fact that I can’t remember the first 9 months of my son’s life, I had post natal depression, and this completely robbed me of a lot of things, but mostly the first 9 months of my child’s life. Which I know is so precious, people who have lost children, including a close friend, would do anything for these memories, people with fertility issues would cherish those 9 months, and most other humans, but not me, I couldn’t see anything through my fog of PND.

I wanted to wake up my lovely, almost 2 year old, and apologise for the first nine months, for stopping breastfeeding because I couldn’t be bothered, for not taking you out much because I physically couldn’t, for thinking that you were annoying and difficult, for so many things, I am whole heartedly sorry.

I have made a promise to cherish and worship every moment that we have, and to more than make up for those 9 months. I have a deeper gratitude and love for my children because I had PND, because I came out the other side and because I can’t imagine my life without them.

So the guilt turned into this weird epiphany that I’m glad I had PND, I’m glad for this crazy love I have for my children, being brave to leave a failing relationship, starting a social enterprise and business. AND for giving me a fresh start that I look back on and take a deep breath about, and above all reminds me how lucky I am.

My thoughts then turned to Mums going through it now. I’m right with you, it’s a painful journey, but I swear it is so worth it. All these dark thoughts and feelings you have right now, they won’t last, but what you will be left with is a new kick arse approach to life which is here to stay.

Check out Amy’s online store where she sells positive affirmation cards to help sufferers of PND, depression, anxiety and break ups as well as single parents. I’ve been using the depression and anxiety pack for weeks now and it’s had such a positive impact on my day. I actually talk through a card from the box every morning on my Instagram stories and it sets the tone for my day. I love them!

Just a friendly reminder on this gloomy Monday 💪🏻

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