#atinylife Tablets

So last week, I was persuaded to go to the Doctor. I have been ‘out and proud’ about my mental health since suffering two episodes of psychosis in my late teens.

But I didn’t realise I was still ashamed. Happy to be medication free since 2003, (and not just because it rhymes), over the 14 years since I have tried a range of things to stay off the daily tablets.

• Counselling x3
• Diazepam (for the bad days)
• Meditation
• Leaning on friends
• Maintaining a tinylife

Last week, it became clear that my less-than-good mental health is not something that is going away any time soon.  I thought I didn’t care about the stigma. I do care. But not enough to risk my health and the wellbeing of those around me.

So, I’m back on the tablets. And I’m getting on with my tinylife.

#atinylife Doctor

‘Do you think maybe you need to go to the Doctor?’

I have asked this more times than I can count. To friends that have seemed more than a little bit down, to family that don’t seem to be able to stop. I’m not sending them for a sore throat or a muscle strain, I’m asking whether they need some medical assistance with their mental health.

Awareness is so much better than it was, but stigma is, in my opinion, as bad as it ever was. Of course no one wants to feel that they can’t get through the day without taking a tablet, doing a meditation, knowing that another counselling session is on its way. But if that is what you need.

If that is what you need.

Last week, someone asked me. And I went.

More next week.

#atinylife Autumn

Ten of the Best Things About Autumn

by Penny Hext.

• Woodland walks: fungi, fallen leaves, seeing tree shapes outlined against the sky.
• Short days… longer nights. More time for a) beauty sleep b) bedtime reading c) erm… recreational activities.
• Winter woollies. Colour and texture hide a multitude of sins. Summer’s AGES away!
• Hair lasering. Start on that beard now. (Moi?)
• Night-time sky walking. The best possible backdrop for creepy ghost walks. Go on. Try it!
• Enjoying Autumn colours: reds, russets, auburns, coppers…
• Time to take stock and recalibrate – before the year ends. You’ve still got time to fulfil your resolutions!
• Wildlife spotting: squirrels, herons… figuring out where the heck birds roost at night. Nests are for fledglings.
• Mulled wine.
• Puddings. Those brambles and apples you gathered in September need eating, don’t they?

 

Penny is a writer who lives in Edinburgh

#atinylife Piano

I open my mouth to respond to the question from my kids’ piano teacher, but my oldest gets there first.

‘I want to learn that last bit of the piece,’ they say.

And they’re off. The piano teacher and student – a conversation I struggle to follow to be honest, I’ve never been able to play the piano. They are talking over my head. I’m not required.

But I consider it. It is terrifying to think of all the conversations my children will have to negotiate their way through without me there, throughout their whole lives.

Here is evidence that it will be OK.

Here is evidence that they can ask for what they need, want, and be heard.

Here is evidence that adults around them also want the best for them.

So I listen. And I allow them to talk.