You are not alone
[ctt template=”8″ link=”jF3et” via=”no” ]”True empathy requires that you step outside of your emotions to view things entirely from the perspective of the other person.[/ctt]
You all know about my difficult fertility and IVF journey, and like many around the world, I have gone through so many unfortunate painful and traumatic experiences in my life – which in time I will talk and share more about on this blog.
Last year I opened up about my battle with anxiety and depression and I pretty much tried as best as I could for such a very long long time, tried to hide it behind a mirror – literally, and not let anyone close to me (and that meant my family, friends and husband) know that I was suffering …and for such a long time.
Society, since time began has made it a such a judgemental, almost like a germ infected illness for so many people not to get close to others or acknowledge for fear of being abandoned, taken to the ‘looney’ hospital or just be disregarded as pathetic.
For me, it was more a case of I didn’t want to be a burden to anyone and thought any less since growing up with a father who expected perfection at all costs… I didn’t want any one to know, especially by those who knew me for so long that I was suffering from a mental illness
A few weeks ago my anxiety reared it’s ugly head once again and this time, I felt I was drowning. I felt I was stuck in this tornado like feeling where everything was spinning around me, every so often felt like hands were around my neck choking me, I felt so suffocated – so lost. I wanted to run away. I knew I was losing control of my body and mind again. Even though I know I had my husband and mum, and a few close friends to turn to – I still felt to incredibly alone.
I felt breathless, and also mentally I was getting more frustrated with the most smallest of things and so ever confused. There is no exact reason as to why anxiety happens – obvious reasons are stress and hard life decisions people have to face such as at work, personal problems – even the most simplest thing can trigger it but please know that anxiety isn’t planned and it come’s unexpectedly. It just happens.
I pretty much remember when it all started actually, what triggered the anxiety. Now I can’t say that it was because of this but a comment from a work colleague didn’t help (even though it may have been innocent but knowing what they are like, perhaps not) – it may have triggered it.
It was a Wednesday and I leaving work to go home (it was the end of the day) and I was leaving my office job, I said goodbye to everyone and a work colleague said:
‘It’s only 4.56 PM – you still have four minutes to go.’
I stood and looked at him baffled by his comment and really felt like saying, ‘Really? Are you fucking serious?!!’
But the only words that left my mouth were: “I’ve been here since 7.30 AM. Bye.” And off I went.
Later that night, I had an anxiety attack.
Around the same time as my anxiety was rearing its ugly head again, in a universal intervention type of way – I received a gift from The Empathy Gift & Co. The Empathy Gift & Co. are a company that believe in supporting people going through challenging times. They have many different types of empathy gift packs for all different life situations.
Regardless what the circumstances are none are more or less greater or important than the other. Each and everyone is just as heartfelt and painful as the other.
The gift box that I received had the following items:
? Little Exercise Book – Exercises for Learning to Love Yourself and Others
? Herbal tea – Peace of Mind
? Choc Salted Caramel mini biscuits
? Organic Moisturising Cream by Plain & Simple
? ‘I Think You’re Wonderful’ soap bar by Huxter
? Tea strainer by Urban Products
? ‘You Are Amazing’ mug by Urban Products
[ctt template=”8″ link=”jF3et” via=”no” ]”When the shadows are closing in, And your spirit diminishing, Just remember you’re not alone, And love will be there
To guide you home…” Mariah Carey[/ctt]
I truly feel that these wellness and healing gift packs can provide support to people who are going through whatever difficulties and circumstances in their life. Whether it be from an illness such as cancer, the loss of a miscarriage, the death of a loved one and like me, the struggles of anxiety and depression where you feel like you are alone in the world.
They won’t cure you however they will provide you with the feeling that somebody out there does care for you. So with a book, a cup of tea, some chocolate treats and a nice bubble bath they may ease your troubles for that short moment in time and lets face it, even for just ten minutes away from the overwhelming cyclone feelings of sadness, lost, confused and anxious is an amazing and comforting feeling and I know from my own living experience. It’s relief.
With every spare moment I get, I try to tackled into my personal wellbeing exercise book, answering the psychological questions about self development and transformation. These are brain games that educate and inspire our souls and lives, and bring deeper insight in ourselves.
I swear this gift box came at the perfect time in my life. Whether it was divine intervention, or my father (my guardian angel in heaven) worried and looking out for me – regardless, no matter how big or how small the gesture is, it is all a form of consideration and from the heart.
Every little gesture means so much to the person who is suffering and going through a difficult time. It shows to them that there is someone out there who really does care for them.
So if you know of someone who is hurting, going through a hard time and you don’t know how you can help or what you can do to ease their sadness, go to The Empathy Gift Co. and you will find many different types of wellness and healing gift packs for any type of life situation. The gesture will mean more than you will ever realise.
? The Empathy Gift & Co have sent me their empathy gift box to review (thank you!) – all opinions are my own and true, and also this came to me at a universally ‘meant to be’ time in my life with my anxiety rearing its ugly head again. Full disclosure policy here.