Best Of

@ellie2000 Mindfulness is a practice (like therapy) which helps you become more aware of your emotions, your body and your surroundings! It can help you with getting through anxiety, panic attacks, negative thinking and emotions, or habits which are not very good for you, like drinking, smoking etc. Some mindfulness exercises include: Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or body scan (an exercise that helps connect the body with the emotions).
I believe practicing mindfulness or keeping an emotion journal could help with flashbacks!
I know there is a very good app called 'The Healthy Minds Program' that can help you to learn minfulness exercises, listen to podcasts or read stories. Here's its site's link if you would like to learn more!
https://hminnovations.org/meditation-app

@Past User often people go through phases in which they may be distant, shallow, or act differently than before. This is normal, and not responding to texts, is also a habit which frequently happens through this phase! However, If you fear that someone has grown distant from you, for no apparent reason, you could possibly tell from not receiving any responds in 24 hours, or if they respond, their texts are usually dry and in one-word. In real life, they may behave indifferently or hold a passive attitude, as well as not look at you when you're talking to them, or look at their phone/ try to avoid conversation, cross their arms or slouch. Its always best to be direct with people if you feel something is off, and let them know your concerns and thoughts, as many times, our brains try to play tricks and have us think that some behaviours are against us, while the truth may be simple and not negative!

Hey @libbystrawberry ! Firstly it is such a strength to actively acknowledge that you want to use a mental health / wellbeing facility.

I would also say that getting a referral from your GP would not be an issue - alternatively if you would feel more comfortable having your mum be present in the conversation with the GP, I think depending on the situation, it is sometimes easier to just ask your mum to sit in on the call or appointment so that she can equally understand your thoughts alongside the GP. But if you feel comfortable enough to speak to your mum beforehand, I think it could be encouraging for yourself to go into the GP appointment knowing that somebody already understands what you are feeling.

Sending lots of care!

Feel free to private message me at any point if you are unsure how to go about speaking to your mum