Happiful September 2020

There have been so many
things that I have had to get
through, but what I can say is
that I am beyond proud of the
person I’ve become
gives up on me; fitness,
which has been a huge
part of my recovery and
is my happy place, my
me-time, and the time I
learn how strong I am,
mentally and physically.
The great outdoors has
always been a huge
passion of mine, and I’m
so grateful that I grew up
in the countryside. It’s
so good for your mental
wellbeing, and having my
dogs and horses in my
bleakest moments were
the only things that kept
me fighting, because I
knew they needed me,
and they never judged
me. They loved me for
who I was – labels and all!
There is no magic cure
for mental illness, but
maybe one day, with MQ’s
incredible work, there
will be. I did have therapy
and CBT on countless
occasions, but for me
it didn’t work, while for
others it does wonders.
This just shows we’re all
individuals, and we need
to be treated as such. I’ve
been on antidepressants
for 12 years, and I don’t
know what I would be
like without them, but
this is just one very small
part of the journey. I
want to point out that
taking medication for
your mental health is no
different from taking it
for your physical health;
the taboo has to go.
I’m proud to say that
I’m a mental health
sufferer, and will never
be ashamed of who it’s
made me. I now know
the importance of being
your true self, and
that you should never
change for anybody.
Those that you need in
your life love you for
you, your flaws and all –
never forget that.
If you’re having a rough
time at this moment,
and can’t see light
through the darkness,
let me tell you the light
will start to shine. I’m
not saying it’s going to
be easy, but what I can
tell you is it really is
worth it, and you really
do have the strength to
get through this. Never
forget that seeking help
and speaking out isn’t a
failure or weakness, it’s
the complete opposite –
it’s true bravery.
“Sunsets are proof that
no matter what happens,
everything can end
beautifully.” – Kristen
Butler.
OUR EXPERT SAYS
Flo’s inspirational story
highlights the strong
connection between
our physical and
mental health, and how
they are inextricably
linked. Thankfully,
Flo was able to get the
support she needed to
understand this and it’s
had a profound impact
on her wellbeing. The
strength that Flo has
developed resonates
through her words, and
it’s wonderful to see
how she is leading the
way with challenging
the stigma,
cultivating selflove,
and sharing
her positive
energy.
Rav Sekhon | BA MA MBACP (Accred)
Counsellor and psychotherapist
September 2020 • happiful.com • 89