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Mum of 2, suffering my own mental health issues, I began to write this blog as a way to release feelings and emotions. At 13 my daughter was terribly bullied which has led to her having serious mental health problems of her own. She is now 16. I wanted to document our journey and hopefully be able to look back and see how far we have come.

Monday 11 June 2012

Say it with felt

The weekend has been tough at times, but we have managed to keep Emily busy.  I've basically just sat in the living room with her. I've painted and she's made her felt creatures, with input from me where needed. The TV has been our constant companion.

She definitely got into the sewing and it certainly helped her get through the day.  After a basic design first, she moved on to something more elaborate.

As I mentioned in my last post, she wanted to create something that could have been 'normal' once, but wasn't anymore.  I wondered if I should be sad by her creation, but I decided, actually, I quite liked it.



I told her I thought it was a good example of something not having to conform to being the 'norm' in order to be lovable and fun.  I said none of us were perfect and that's absolutely fine.

Unfortunately nights are another thing.  Emily regularly sleeps badly, she has nightmares and thinks if she goes to sleep, someone will be in her room to get her.  We hug her, we talk and reassure and we check out her room to prove no one else is in it.  You can see in her eyes that she doesn't believe you.

Today Emily, my Mum and myself went and met with the Dr at CAMHS.  We were joined by a Psychologist who talked us through some techniques we could try to help Emily.  It's called 'Grounding' and I think some of it could help.  We found that many of the things we do in part anyway.  Talking, hugging and reassuring Emily that she is safe.  One of the other techniques is to talk to her, tell her where she is, who is with her, what is in the room etc.  The idea is that when she's reliving bad experiences, its a way to bring her back to the present.

The other idea was a 'Grounding' item.  It's probably wrong of me to say it, but it seems a bit like having a lucky charm.  Its the idea that you have a small item which means something to you.  You carry it around and in times of anxiety you hold it and try again to bring yourself back to the present.  Emily and I discussed what she could use for this. In the end  I decided to make something.  Keeping with the current theme I used some felt and made this.


It's small enough to fit in the palm of her hand.  Emily loves it and can't believe how attached she has become already.  It was a good idea.  I'm very grateful to the Drs for giving us some tools.  I just need to hope that we can keep it going and the novelty doesn't wear off.

On a much lighter note, my partner said to her.  "It's even better because its 'heart felt'"  I groaned, but it took Emily a while to get that one.  It was nice to see her laugh.

3 comments:

  1. I love Emily's creation, she has really captured her inner feelings, I hope making him has helped her feel a little better about herself now she has found an outlet, she is very talented.

    The grounding item is a fantastic idea, I love the fact it is so tactile, and small enough to carry at all times.

    Glad to hear you have some tools to help you both, it may take a little time, but there is light at the end of the tunnel..

    Look forward to seeing more of Emily's wonderful creations, please let her know how talented I think she is.

    D xxx

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Dawn, she's now made one for her cousin and has started on one for her brother. Thanks again for reading :)

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    2. That's great to hear that she is enjoying making things.

      D xxx

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