It's ok not to feel christmasy

As the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer and it's becoming darker quicker it effects people in different ways. For some they love winter, wrapping up in all their knitted jumpers, bringing out the fluffy socks and enjoying quiet nights in.

However some people struggle, they don't feel like they get enough daylight, it feels dark all the time and in some cases they become more withdrawn. Although Christmas is a good distraction and everyone gets in the festive spirit, you can't be happy all the time! 

On my road to recovery I've had many times where I sit and can't understand why I deserved to have my life turned upside down, did I do something wrong? But the more I thought about it and the more I tried to find answers the more depressed I got. I didn't know it at the time but people were telling me 'your not your happy self' 'you don't laugh anymore'. But I chose to ignore those comments saying 'I'm fine' 'you don't need to worry'. 

But then it got to a point that I had to put my hands up and admitted I needed help. Don't get me wrong it was hard to do but I'm thankful that I did. 

Meningitis Now funded six weeks of counselling to help me deal with what had happened and plan for the future. After those 6 weeks I then realised how depressed I actually was. 

So if you also struggle with this time of year and feel yourself feeling more down, put your hand up and ask for help and I guarantee everyone will be more than happy to support you. Just don't suffer in silence. 

Speak to your family, friends, or speak to Meningitis Now, they have a helpline where you can ask for counselling or even ask to be put in touch with me, I would be more than happy to help! 

Hope you all have an amazing Christmas and happy new year and go into the new year with a clear mind, a determined outlook and go and grab everything 2017 offers you!