The last time I really suffered was around a year ago. I was hit very hard by an amalgamation of a failed long distance relationship (most likely corrupted by my state of mind), emotionally degrading colleagues, legal disputes with my landlord and the pressure of a house move with nowhere to go, or anyone to live with – sadly my peer pulled out last minute.

Feelings of chronic loneliness, professional failure and unhappiness was driven on by an ever mounting stress with a tenancy deadline. It got too much, I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t see a way forward, so miserably plodded onto what seemed an inevitable life implosion.

I was also neglecting my physical health. I wasn’t keeping fit and active like normal. In hindsight and certainly now, if I’m feeling low I turn up the exercise, it has a huge positive effect on my confidence, self appreciation, motivation and routine. 

However, my Mum could clearly tell I was in a bad spot and visited me for lunch. I broke down almost instantly.

After running through it all she helped me take a serious step back. She pointed out that the housing scenario was exacerbating everything else, and helped me focus on the linchpin issue. We co-created a 6 week plan to get rid of the burdens and establish solutions. This structure helped me ignore certain pressures and work towards goals which after 2 months left me to enjoy one of the best summers of my life.

I would have continued to spiral without guidance and structure. It’s a technique I now employ more regularly, especially before it gets too much. Plus I turn up the exercise if I feel the shadow, that’s an amazing deterrent.