IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK

Copyright © Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 2019

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, nor transmitted, nor translated into a machine language, without the written permission of the publishers.

Claire Chamberlain has asserted her moral right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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Disclaimer

The author and the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any misuse or misunderstanding of any information contained herein, or any loss, damage or injury, be it health, financial or otherwise, suffered by any individual or group acting upon or relying on information contained herein. None of the views or suggestions in this book is intended to replace medical opinion from a doctor who is familiar with your particular circumstances. If you have concerns about your health, please seek professional advice.

INTRODUCTION

No one is happy all the time. In fact, it’s perfectly normal to not feel OK sometimes. But whether you’re just feeling a bit down, or you suspect it might be a more serious mental health problem, you should never feel like you have to go through a difficult period alone. As isolating as sadness, emptiness, anxiety or depression can feel, there are people who understand and care. This book is for anyone not feeling OK right now, for whatever reason. It’s filled with practical tips and inspiring ideas to help you look after yourself when you’re feeling low, as well as suggestions on where to find help if everything is getting too much, or you feel like you can no longer cope. I hope the following pages will help, and that they remind you that you are uniquely valuable – even when you might not feel like it.

 

 

 

 

 

NOT UNTIL WE ARE LOST DO WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND
OURSELVES.

HENRY DAVID THOREAU

WHAT IS “OK”, ANYWAY?

If you’ve ever been asked how you’re feeling and have simply replied, “OK,” without giving it much thought, you are certainly not alone. It’s a reply that’s uttered so frequently, it’s almost become an expected response. But what if, underneath the surface, you really don’t feel OK? And what’s more, what if you don’t feel it’s OK to say you’re not OK? Then take a deep breath and read on, because you are important… and so is your mental health.

 

 

 

 

 

THE MENTAL HEALTH SPECTRUM

Mental health is something everybody has. It exists on a spectrum and, as with your physical health, it needs to be nurtured if it’s to be kept in good condition. Sometimes, however, you can do as much nurturing as you like, but you might still experience mental health difficulties. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from a sudden life event, to a hormonal imbalance, to an underlying mental health condition.

Experiencing a mental health problem can feel lonely, and you might think no one else has ever felt the way you do. But however isolated you might feel, it’s important to recognize that these feelings affect most people at some point in their lives – the World Health Organization (WHO) states that one in four people will experience mental health difficulties at some stage. It’s also perfectly normal to feel low or flat sometimes. But if your poor mental health is stopping you from living your life as you would wish – for example, if you’re struggling to get out of bed in the morning, or you’re experiencing chronic anxiety – it’s important to address the issue, to help ease your distress and stop it from escalating.

 

 

 

 

 

There is no standard normal. Normal is subjective. There are seven billion versions of normal on this planet.

MATT HAIG

 

 

 

 

 

YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR OWN.

 

 

 

 

 

Accept that you are perfectly imperfect

When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can feel like an exhausting battle as you try to fight demons and wrestle negative emotions. So, if life is feeling hard, it’s time to take some gentle, positive action. The first step (which can be the hardest) is to accept yourself, in this moment, exactly as you are. You might feel low; you might be suffering with anxiety; you might be living with depression, or struggling with an addiction. But right now you are still a whole and necessary human being… “imperfections” and all.

 

 

 

 

 

EMBRACE THE GLORIOUS MESS THAT YOU ARE.

ELIZABETH GILBERT

 

 

 

 

 

You deserve better