Lets Talk: Coping with a Mental Illness

We all have mental health, like we all have physical health. Both of these change throughout our lives. Just like our bodies, our minds can become unwell too.

The effects of mental illness are as real as a broken arm, even though there isn't a sling or cast to show for it.

To talk or not to talk

Mental illness, however it presents itself can be very lonely, scary and confusing! Let me dive in, feet first! I am currently suffering with a mental illness that is unfortunately visible to everyone around me so sometimes I don't have the option of not talking about it.

Uncomfortable? Hell yeah! Sometimes I do need to talk, but when and who to is my choice, surely. I didn't talk about my illness until the time came to where I had no other choice and it was hard, hard admitting it to myself and hard to hurt the loved ones around me. And yes its still hard, hard to get the feelings out. People with mental illness don't need others to understand what they are going through, they need support, nurture and love, but most importantly someone who wont judge them! 

So yes, talking can help. Is it still lonely? of course, sometimes but in reality you are the one going through this and I don't think the loneliness and fear really go away! 

It's difficult for me when people make assumptions, yes they can see something is wrong but they don't know what that something is. I've come across this a lot lately and it can be utterly heartbreaking to say the least. When you have a mental illness you get so used to putting a fake smile on your face so that nobody notices anything is wrong, but why? well for me, I felt ashamed, very ashamed. " I am an intelligent person, why have I let this happen?" I used to say, but that's it, I know now that I haven't let it happen, I didn't ask to be this way, I wouldn't haven chosen this for myself! ITS NOT MY FAULT!

I am still very much at the beginning of my lengthy journey but I made that first step, that huge, giant leap in asking for help so although I have a way to go, I think i am finally ready to begin my journey!

Every journey is different, and for me, even writing this was difficult. There is help, there is a light at the end of that dark, lonely tunnel but you just have to ask!

"Start by doing what is necessary, then do what's possible;and suddenly you are doing the impossible"-Saint Francis of Assisi

Date Night Ready!

Even after almost 14 years of marriage, my husband and I love to have a date night once a month. I love taking my time getting ready and using make up and products that are not part of my normal regime. As I am a massive Kiehls fan, my face is already primed and ready with the fabulous skincare products I use, you can read about my skincare routine in my previous Kiehls post. Firstly I like to use Lift Lumiere foundation by Chanel. This is a fluid foundation that smooths fine lines, dark spots and the appearance of pores without emphasizing them. This foundation is great and gives an even, natural, smooth and luminous complexion. 

It doesn't leave you feeling like like you have too many layers on your face. 

To apply this foundation, my go to brush is the Mac 190 foundation brush, it glides evenly over the skin and doesn't aggravate my sensitive skin.

For the eyes, I like to indulge with the Naked 2 palette from Urban Decay. YDK and busted for the lid and then to add that little extra something (it is a date night, after all!) I go for some blackout in the outer corners. My fave brush to apply eyeshadow is the Mac 215 and 217 eyeshadow brushes.

 To give my lashes the volumized false lash effect I use Le Volume by Chanel. A couple of coats leaves me with the thick volumized lashes I only wish I had naturally (sighs). The liquid liner, which is dependant on my mood, is another offering from Chanel (yep I love my Chanel products at the moment!) Ecriture de Chanel. Ive got to be honest I always had a problem using the brush liners, it ended up everywhere but where I wanted it! The Chanel liner is a smooth gliding pen which gives perfect results in a swish.

The Diorshow brow styler is perfect for creating those much wanted eyebrows 'on fleek'

To contour or not to contour? For the full chiselled features I apply Mac's pro conceal and correct palette to accentuate my jaw line, cheek bones and nose.  

I finish off with Laguna bronzing powder from Nars, Mac's mineralize skinfinish in lightscapade and on the apples of my cheek, just a small amount of Clarins blush in soft peach. 

Finally the lips, now this all depends on how I am feeling. My everyday lipsticks are usually nude shades, minimal and natural looking. This is date night hough and one of my favourite colours is a new shade from Mac, Gossamer wings in lustre finish. This lipstick does get to join me on my night out though as it doesn't have great staying power, unlike my date night for the night!

And just as if the fairy godmother had waved her magic wand, I'm good to go! ;-)

Retro Adidas

I was never one for sports attire except if I was going to the gym of course but I am absolutely loving the new lines from Adidas originals. Dress them up or down, these are such versatile pieces and look fab on. I recently paired the 3 stripe long sleeved top with a pair of bleach wash destroyed 'mom' jeans and a pair of nude heels. I received so many comments on my outfit, simple yet incredibly stylish! Team up as coords too for a more casual look, the three stripe retro leggings and a crisp white pair of trainers look awesome. The possibilities are endless and so comfy which is a huge bonus. High street shops like Urban Outfitters and Topshop are stocking these right now as well as online retailers ASOS. Rita Ora has also just launched her new line for Adidas which is available in JD Sports and there are some great pieces in this collection.
Kylie Jenner has been spotted wearing Adidas combos, it works. Change it up a little and don't be afraid to try new things.

Chanel Le Volume

I must say, this is one of my favourite purchases so far this year. After my usual mascara just wasn't doing the trick any more, I went in search of a new one!

After browsing through the counters in Debenhams I stopped at Chanel. I was quite surprised that the price was only a tad more expensive than my original brand so I thought I'd take the plunge and give it a go.

Its fab to say the least, no need to apply endless amounts to give your lashes a boost, just a couple of coats and you're good to go. Very easy to remove too, I will definitely continue to use it.

My Skincare Routine with Kiehls

I've tried all sorts for my skin over the years, at the age of 30, I suffered with bad acne and the treatments left scarring on my face so when something new came on the market, I tried it!

But which products do you use, which brand can you trust. It can be a very daunting experience trying to find the right solution to your skincare needs. There is no 'miracle' in a bottle but there is something to suit you, it's all about knowing where to look.

My current skincare regime is my all-time favourite purchase from Kiehls. After trying numerous products I was at a loss, nothing was working until my sister in law suggested that I try Kiehls, she uses it religiously and swears by it. That recommendation changed my way of thinking totally.

Kiehls have been open for 160 years and have a solution for all skin types, it is even used by some of my favourite celebs...the Kardashian sisters!

It works for me, I start out with a face wash (Calendula herb extract) this washes away any impurities first. I then apply a rare earth toner, this is designed to reduce the size of pores and you can actually feel it working. Twice a week I appy the same rare earth formula but in a masque form, my face feels so fresh afterwards! Moisturiser goes on next which helps to seal in all the goodness i have just applied and lastly is one of my favourites, the midnight recovery concentrate, it restores your skin over night and upon waking I can definitely feel the difference.

You can find a Kiehls counter in some Debenhams and House of Fraser stores and in major cities. I am lucky enough to have one right here on my doorstep in Leeds.

I am still on the lookout for new and exciting products but one thing is for sure, Kiehls will always be part of my daily routine.

Amazing!