Mental health issues, self care when mentally unwell. What books children will enjoy.

On what subject(s) are you an authority?

Wow what a question. I don’t consider myself an absolute expert on anything, but there are topics that experience has taught me a helluva lot about.

Firstly I know alot about mental illness, mostly from my own experience and from having had a career working in mental health. I am very tuned into the warning signs of someone who is obviously experiencing mental health concerns both in myself and others. I know how someone with these issues will act,say and do. People need to know that people who are unwell aren’t evil and that not all negative behaviour is a sign of mental illness. Unfortunately I have experienced some people trying to use coercive behaviour and ringing my mental health professionals everytime I have a disagreement with them. This is extremely frustrating and totally unhelpful.

I have learned through my own experience of mental health issues how to practice self care and mindfulness to better improve my mental health. It is so important to be kind to yourself first and foremost, particularly when the black dog of depression and anxiety come knocking at your door. I know when I get extremely anxious or frightened about something, that is really the sign that I am starting to become unwell. Knowing at this time to adopt a more mindful attitude and experience helps to reduce and heal from whatever is troubling me. Taking things easy and experiencing the little things that bring pleasure help. Focusing on my breathing and savouring the taste of what I eat all help. Experiencing pleasure 🙏 and taking it easy on yourself all do wonders to help heal what has caused your issues.

Through my experience of studying children’s literature has taught me what sort of themes and stores children are really drawn to.. I shower the loved children in my life with wonderful children’s literature. I always knew I would be writing ✍️ as my main occupation, and it should be no great surprise that my first published book was a collection of dog stories called God bless our dogs 🙏. Children love dog stories because they love dogs and you can have eat fun reading about the exploits of our canine companions. Children’s literature doesn’t have to be complicated or intense but it should be fun and little bit of fantasy doesn’t go astray.

I may not be a total expert but my experiences have taught me well and made my journey all the richer.