Throughout this journey our bodies and minds take a huge hit in so many different ways. Our confidence gets shattered, our self-esteem is blown away and our thoughts are filled with fear, regret, blame and sometimes anger.

My adult education mainly revolves around children and mental health. I have qualifications in Mental Health but not at health professional level (yet). Holistic approaches are best for treating and supporting those with difficulites as we are but the one unerpinning theme of good recovery is building resilience.

An individual with a strong level of resilience are more likely to recover from ill mental health as well as avoiding it in the first place.

The main pillar central to a person's level of resilience is their self-worth and self-esteem.

Of course this is a lot more turbulent within WD yet it as important as ever during this difficult time.

Firstly: Dropping blame, anger, any and all regrets. What has happened, has happened. No amount of thinking, wishing or praying can send us back in time. We need to accept and move forward.

You can read Chippy's notes here on accepting what has happened.

Yes, the suffering is huge.

But you are bigger.

Focus on qualities of yourself that you like. Are you normally funny? Thoughtful? Brave (already yes to that one being here). What do your familiy and friends love about you? What makes you, you? Self reflection is so important in life and now is a good time to utilise that.

Psychologist Kristin Neff suggests writing a note to yourself as though you were writing to someone you care about who was going through what you are.

• Acknowledge your difficulties

• Resassure suffering is part of being human and that it never lasts forever

• Kind, supportive language instead of critical.

(Link to his book here)

Self Care is important. Whatever you can manage with WD. The main point is to know you deserve self care.

You have people who care about you, both in real life and online in this family.

You can do this.

Lovely post @cherrysquid xxx

1 hour ago, Chippy said:

Lovely post @cherrysquid xxx

Thank you @Chippy x

ABSOLUTAMENTE AMEN!!!

Thank you for this. I can never be reminded of such sentiments too much. We are all amazing creatures, learning through our suffering.

On 7/31/2026 at 9:33 PM, mars said:

ABSOLUTAMENTE AMEN!!!

Thank you for this. I can never be reminded of such sentiments too much. We are all amazing creatures, learning through our suffering.

Beautifully said, @mars <3 It is hard to view things beyond our human ego and of course, pain.

Nice to meet you Cherrysquid! LOL what a name! And thanks for your service as a mentor!

38 minutes ago, mars said:

Nice to meet you Cherrysquid! LOL what a name! And thanks for your service as a mentor!

I couldnt think of a username so just used the one Xbox gave me years ago lol nice to meet you too!

14 hours ago, cherrysquid said:

I couldnt think of a username so just used the one Xbox gave me years ago lol nice to meet you too!

I love it! :)