THE BEAUTY IN THE DARKNESS | Page 8 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.

General advice

Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Make-up for Kiki – Base Edit

16/03/2015 BITD 3 Comments
I often get asked what Make-up I’m using. I like to think that it’s years of practice and an eye for detail that make the difference. Or that it is maybe the care I take of my skin. Or it’s…

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Depression and Anxiety

General advice

Steps to wellbeing

Well being techniques

Depression – Gauge symptoms

10/03/2015 BITD
This may seem an unusual one. But, during my darkest days my mum encouraged me to gauge each day and sometimes each moment on a scale of 1-10. I can assure you that at first I was a 10!…

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Depression and Anxiety

General

General advice

Well being techniques

Depression/Anxiety -Time Travel

06/03/2015 BITD
If you are depressed it is likely you are living in the past. If you are anxious, it is likely you are living too much in the future. Try to live in the present. In real terms, all we…

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Depression and Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

General advice

Steps to wellbeing

Depression/Anxiety – You are still you!

27/02/2015 BITD 1 Comments
You have not disappeared. You are still you. Whoever you were before this nightmare began. Deep inside, behind the fear, anguish and despair, the REAL you still exists. You have not gone anywhere. Do not be afraid that you…

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Depression and Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

General advice

Steps to wellbeing

Well being techniques

Nutritional Supplements

24/02/2015 BITD
Skimlinks Test Whilst on my quest for better mental health and well-being, I’ve spent much time over the past 15 years looking at what I could put into my body that would help to bring some relief from my mental…

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General

Anxiety – Don’t let fear stop you living

20/02/2015 BITD
Don’t let fear take over. It’s easy to shy away from everything and everyone when your body is racing with fear. Everything scares you. People, places, events, situations. I find it is mostly the fear of the unknown that…

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Steps to wellbeing

Well being techniques

Well-being techniques – A ‘little bottle of happiness’

17/02/2015 BITD 1 Comments
We have all been around smells; fragrance, candles and oils that make us feel good. Whether it’s your favourite perfume that makes you feel strong, sexy and powerful. Or your favourite candle in the bath to make you feel calm…

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Steps to wellbeing

Well being techniques

Well-being techniques – Just breathe

26/01/2015 BITD
Now this may seem like an obvious one. We all know that we have to breathe to stay alive. However, what many of us don’t realise is how important this breath is in our everyday living and our feeling of…

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Depression and Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

General

General advice

Well being techniques

My Journey Diary – #1

13/01/2015 BITD 2 Comments
I thought it might be nice to touch base on a regular basis to let you all know how I’m progressing and what’s happening in my life and with my health. Work on the blog has really taken over everything…

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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