?? World Mental Health Day 2024

?? World Mental Health Day 2024?

? Thursday 10th October.

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If you've even read a couple of my articles, you'll know that mental health and building a positive mindset is something I ALWAYS promote.

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Mostly because I've been there.?

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Sucked into the vortex of depression, crippled by an eating disorder, plagued with mental health issues, alcohol addiction along with other demons.

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For years I didn't see a light.

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I thought I'd die before I even reached my 18th birthday.

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I tried everything from counselling, psychiatrists, psychologist, a life coach, being an outpatient at Cornhill to many other things.

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Then, after years of trying to better myself.

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Speaking about my problems.

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Acknowledging and owning.

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And finally...finding fitness.

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Things only really began to change in 2011 when I qualified as a Personal Trainer.

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I've worked on my mental health everyday since, and now, am in a much stronger position where I can reach out and try help others.

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I've gone from such a dark place to achieving things I never even dreamed of.

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?? From representing Scotland at both a European & World Obstacle Course Racing Championship a few years ago, ironically on World Mental Health Day.

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??? Facing my fears, conquering Mount Everest and standing on top of the highest mountain in the world exactly 21 weeks ago today.

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?? To heading to The Prestige Awards in Edinburgh next Sunday 20th October and picking up my 25th business award, 'Female Fitness Entrepreneur of The Year 2024'.

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I still pinch myself sometimes and very humbled by the fact, the 'old me' is now a 'better me' and able to achieve these things.

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Moral of The Story?

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If you're reading this and struggling.

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If you're in a dark place, thinking there's no hope or on the verge of giving up.

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If you don't think life will ever get better.

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I can hand on heart tell you - you're wrong.?

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There's ALWAYS a light (however dim) and you just need to find the right support that works for you.

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It's never too late to turn your life around.

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Asking for help or talking about your mental health issues is not a sign of weakness.

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It's an essential part of recovery ?

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And hope by being open about my struggles, I can encourage you to do the same.

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Here’s some tips and things I’d like to share that have helped me and hopefully may help you along your journey:

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???Don’t be afraid to ask for help, often the hardest thing to do but the most important step to take.

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???Be kind to yourself - nothing in the world will matter or have emotional value if you don’t love (or at least like) yourself.

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?? You matter. You’re important. The world is not a better place without you.

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???Surround yourself with people who lift you up - positivity breads positivity.

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???Do more of the things you enjoy.

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???Exercise daily -?without a doubt the most underutilised antidepressant available.

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???Life won’t change overnight but that doesn’t mean it can’t change.

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???It’s ok to not be ok.

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?? There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel - it just takes some us longer to reach it.

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???Never apologise for being you.

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???Help others - it’s amazing how this can make you feel.

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???It’s not your fault.

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?? The only person who can truly help you - is you.

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???Life won’t get better by chance, take that next step.

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?? Everyone needs a support network.

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?? Learn from yesterday, live for today, plan for tomorrow.

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?? You always have choices.

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?? A negative mind will never lead a positive life - stop focusing on the ‘bad’ things and focus on the 'good'.

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?? Never underestimate what you’re capable of.

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???Yes, you can.

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I know this article won't magically turn your life around but I hope it can help inspire your to reach out to those around you and start making some small changes.

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If you found this helpful and think someone else may benefit from hearing this too, please share it.

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Lee 'always inspiring to be better'?Donald x

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