I’ve struggled a lot with my emotions in the last few years, but the YES Centre and Young Devon have really helped me. I get a good feeling from the people there and I think this is the most important thing when you’re getting help from someone. They’ve helped me to understand what makes me feel better when I’m having a bad mental health day. If I’m feeling agitated, I’ll do some art; if I’m in a bad mood or bad temper I like to run; if I’m bored I listen to some music; if I’m upset I’ll watch a happy film or listen to some nice music. Everyone can relate to music and films, so I think they’re a really nice way of relaxing and escaping from the real world for a little bit. But I’d say it’s important to listen to the lyrics because the artist is trying to tell you something, all songs these days are about something the artist has been through, someone they love or their emotions, and almost everyone can relate to that stuff.
I think it’s really important to take some time to yourself, I always take at least one day a week to do something that I like, and this makes me feel happier when I’m in a bad place. Older generations always used to tell me that I’ve got “all the time in the world”, but we don’t, you’ve got to make the most of the time you’ve got, but sometimes this means taking some time for yourself. Take some time, but don’t waste your time. Waking up early is important to being happy I think, if you wake up early you’ve got a whole day to do things, it’s nice to stay in bed a little longer sometimes but not every day. My good days usually involve getting up early and doing some chores to get them out of the way. I always put on music as soon as I’ve woken up, I play music all the time and I find that it has a real effect on my mood. I try and play happy songs at the start of the day to put myself in a good mood. First thing in the morning and first thing at night are the most important parts of the day, do stuff at those times of day to put you in a good mood and the rest of your day will be a little bit better.
What’s your advice for other young people?
Find what makes you happy, there’s lots of people out there that will tell you what works for them, but you’ve got to try out lots of stuff to find what makes you feel better on a bad day. I think young people should know that it’s not a rush to fit in, if you spend your whole life listening to what other people think then you’ll be their person and not your own person. I also think that believing in yourself is so important, lots of people can help you through bad days, but you’ve got to have the belief that you’re going to get through it. You have to let people help you. Helping other people makes me happy, but I had to realise that I also needed to help myself and let other people help me. It’s seen as something bad these days, but it’s okay to look after yourself. Everyone spends so much time feeling like they have to look out for everyone else that sometimes they forget to look out for themselves. There are loads of examples of things you can try to make you feel better on a bad day: running; baking a cake; spending some time with animals; listening to music; reading a book; drawing. I would say that getting some fresh air is really important though, if I’m in a bad mood I love to go for a walk or run and just shout a little bit to get my emotions out. Fresh air is really good for you and helps clear your head when you’re stressed out.
