THE BEAUTY IN THE DARKNESS | Page 5 of 10 | There is always beauty even at the darkest times. A hopefully inspiring and uplifting blog about finding beauty, whilst living with Depression, Anxiety & Chronic Illness.

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Depression and Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

General

General advice

DEPRESSION // A depressing interlude

04/03/2016 BITD 5 Comments
Little did I know when I started this blog a year ago, that I would be entering into one of the toughest periods of my life. A depression so tough that I didn’t even see it coming. I was unaware…

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Depression and Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

General

General advice

Steps to wellbeing

DEPRESSION // #DiffAbility.

16/02/2016 BITD 1 Comments
#DiffAbility. What is it? I’m loving this new phrase. Inspired by a quote I saw last week. We are no longer in possession of a disability. But instead have a different-ability. It’s #DiffAbility. Having mental health illness or any disability…

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Depression and Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

General

Steps to wellbeing

DEPRESSION // Getting through. Your way.

03/02/2016 BITD
How do you get through clinical depression on a daily basis? I ask myself this question daily. Certainly when close friends and family ask me “how can you tolerate the mental pain all the time? “The answer is – I…

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Depression and Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

General

General advice

Heart & Spirit

Steps to wellbeing

RESOLUTIONS // A new year

12/01/2016 BITD 2 Comments
This time of year is intrinsically associated with a fresh start. It is a time where many of us look to make changes to our lifestyle choices, our self care, our negative habits, basically ourselves. What worries me about this…

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General

THOUGHTFUL SPOT // The good stuff stays.

10/12/2015 BITD
I read an incredible article this week that filled my heart with hope and peace. Paulo Coelho is a world renowned author, philosopher and spiritual leader. I’ve read many of his books and they always strike a chord and leave me…

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THOUGHTFUL SPOT // Staying positive. Just, believe.

01/12/2015 BITD 4 Comments
I don’t know about you, but I had plans. Life plans. When I was a teenager I dreamed of a career as a business woman. I had no doubt that it would happen. I had the brains, the personality and…

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General

FASHION & STYLE // Christmas 2015 – Gift guide for her

22/11/2015 BITD
Christmas is definitely my favourite time of year. Now, anyone who knows me will vouch for the fact that I love to shop. So Christmas for me is just an excuse for me to flex my shopping muscles and…

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General

DEPRESSION // Dear Depression,

17/11/2015 BITD 3 Comments
Dear depression, Now, I know we are old friends. We go back a long way, you and I. But it’s not the kind of friendship I want to encourage. You’re not the kind of friend I want in my life.…

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General

THOUGHTFUL SPOT // Baby steps.

21/10/2015 BITD 2 Comments
By nature I do not take baby steps. Ever. I take leaping, huge, desperate steps, in an effort to get better quicker. But. I tell you now. It does NOT work. There are so many words of wisdom, passed down…

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Welcome to The Beauty in the Darkness. I am Kiki. I am a forty-something retired Online Content Editor and Adviser. I’m also a Law Grad and a published author.

If you have landed here there is a good chance you have an interest in depression and anxiety or living with chronic illness. You may be suffering yourself, or you may have a loved one who is.

I’ve lived with depression and severe anxiety for close to 30 years now. At first it was the most devastating and life changing diagnosis. But thankfully I was surrounded by family who had experience of it, friends who were so understanding and a medical team who, quite frankly, saved my life. Within 2 months of being completely broken at 19, I was back working and studying and living life to the full.

When my physical health changed around ten years ago now, I had to take a good hard look at both my physical and mental health. I retired on ill health grounds from a very successful job and began what would be a journey, to say the least.

There have been many unbelievable lows but some awe inspiring highs too. But one of the best things to come out of it all was my passion for writing. Particularly my passion for writing about mental health and general well-being. To just know that I may be helping others feel they are not alone in their struggle and that with the right approach and support and some serious investment into themselves, they too can live a full life.

I've recently updated the blog and i'm working on going back through the archives and bringing all that really good basic info to the front of the website again. So hopefully you can find even just one small piece of advice that helps you to feel seen and heard and gives you some relief and hope for the future. Because believe me when I say, there is always hope. And even when you think the darkness will never leave, I promise you it does.

So, I too am about to embark on a new chapter. Almost 50 and ready to share what I've learnt in the past 10 years.

Click and buy the new Ebook - ‘What To Do If You Think You’re Depressed’ for immediate guidance on the steps you need to take to get well. It’s my first published book and all the tips I have learned over the years.

Alternatively click on the MENU icon for immediate access to all the other great articles in the archive.

I’m really glad you're here and I hope you use this website as a place for solace and understanding and just to know you're not alone. Feel free to leave a comment or send a message from the contact page if you need any advice.

Onwards always,

Kiki xxx