Writing about your personal life isn't always easy. Granted, for me it is easier to write about it than to talk about it, being the introvert that I am. But even so, writing about yourself isn't easy. And it is difficult to know how far you want to go, how much you want to let people in. This is especially true when you have a disease. And probably even more true when you suffer from mental illness, which is so stigmatised.
Writing about my depression, OCD and anxiety was not something I really thought much about the first time around. I didn't go in to many details about how my disorders made me feel, but tried to describe how they are. So it was easy in a way. The latest post I wrote, about my 2015, on the other hand, I thought a lot about. It got quite personal, and for some time I was unsure on whether or not I wanted to let you in so close to me.
The reactions I got from the post made me realise I had nothing to worry about. Again, I must thank all of you that have reached out to me after that post. It meant everything to me that you would let alone read it, and as it has become one of the most popular posts of mine, I can know for a fact that it has been read. But to get all those sweet, caring, understanding and intelligent comments, both here on the blog and on Instagram gave me a whole new gratitude to my readers/followers. I can't thank you enough - you are all worth your weight in gold! If the world was filled with people like you it would be paradise on earth.
I have to stop now, before I get too emotional.
Let's talk about the dress instead. I believe a black, sleeveless, velvet dress is a wardrobe essential. It is like one of the essential amino acids, you just need to have it in your wardrobe to create outfits around. This one that I'm wearing has been on my wishlist for close to a year, but it's from the AW14 collection of Book of Deer, so I was only lucky enough to get one recently when Book of Deer had a sale of the old collection. It is still available, and I can truly recommend it. Not only is it a lovely baby doll silhouette, but it has got amazingly delicate and beautiful details, that do not show very well in my pictures.
After a year of pining for this dress I can conclude, patience is a virtue.
Dress: Book of Deer (here)
Blouse: H&M (old)
Overknee socks: H&M (old)
Much love,
You lovely, lovely person! Your graciousness, openness, and kindness are all things I admire. A very happy 2016 to you, my dear :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! It means everything that such a beautiful person like you would say something like that! Thank you so much, and know that I admire you too.
DeleteHave a very happy 2016 too!
Much love
That dress looks so beautiful on you! Seeing wear that makes me feel I should get one for myself :D
ReplyDeleteI'm an avid reader of your blog and it was heart warming that you disclosed an important part of your life. I (and many of your readers too) felt trusted :). You are a lovely person inside and out. And most inspiringly, as i've mentioned before, you are strong.
Have a blessed 2016, Mona! :D
Thank you so much darling! You do need one for yourself ;D haha It's such a comfy dress, and I looove velvet, so warm and nice.
DeleteThank you so very much for reading the blog, it means a lot to me. I do appreciate you (all the readers really) so very much. Thank you so much, so are you. You are so beautiful, on so many levels. Thank you for your kind words <3
Thank you, you too. Hope 2016 is starting off real lovely for you!
Much love
No thank you for opening up to us Mona, I'm sure it takes courage and it's helped so many people feel like they're not alone in these matters, including me. You are such a strong, inspiring, and beautiful person and I'm so glad I've gotten to know you on here, hopefully one day we can meet in real life too <3
ReplyDeleteA very Happy New Year to you too and I'm loving your outfit xx
Gosh, thanks lovely Andini. If I could help just one person that has been in the same situation that I was a year ago, I'll be the happiest ever. I just want people to know, that even if you hit the rock bottom, there is a way back. It can get better.
DeleteThank you so much for your kind kind words.
Yes, I'm really happy we've gotten to know each other too, I treasure our friendship, and I hope (and think) we will meet IRL too (I'm coming to London in September).
Thank you so much darling, and a very Happy 2016 to you too.
Much love
Lovely dear Mona, I just read your post about depression, anxiety and OCD. It had a huge impact on me because I have been there and it made me want to reach out to you. I have struggled majorly with depression and anxiety and 2013 and 2014 were the absolute worst for me. I wrote a little about it in my review post for 2015. I know what it's like not to be able to get out of bed, not to be up to working and literally feeling like you will not even get through one more day of life. Things do get better even though it never goes away completely. My life was lot better in 2015 because I was given opportunities at work which improved my confidence and self esteem. I also very recently went back to my roots in sport which previously I didn't have the motivation to do- that's given me an interest and sense of achievement. The blog world is fantastic for support. I know that having someone to talk to when you are struggling makes a world of difference. If there is anything I can do to help you even just for a chat, I would love to because this is an issue close to my heart. I think you are incredible making the progress you have so never forget it. I wish that one day we will all be able to talk openly about mental illness. On another note, your outfits are absolutely gorgeous and you have the best hair.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Imogen, Hi! And thank you so very much for reaching out to me, and for reading my post.
DeleteI'm so sorry that you struggle with depression and anxiety. You seem like a lovely person, and I wouldn't even wish depression or anxiety on my worst enemy, let alone someone that is actually nice. I read your wonderful review post of 2015, and I am so happy that things are turning for you.
I feel like you really understand me, having been there yourself, like you said, not being able to get out of bed, the hopelessness you feel at such a point is crushing.
But just as you said, things can get better, and that's what I hope comes across from my post. It certainly is lovely to hear that things have gotten better for you. I'm glad you got permanent employment, and that you felt like you belong. Those are both important things to have in life.
Also, doing sports has been proven to be good against depression, so not only are you doing something that makes you happy, but it affects your chemical brain balance as well. So yay to you! Go you Imogen! That's amazing what you're doing. And I'm inspired by you to pick up some sort of physical activity too.
The blog world really is fantastic and I thank you so much for offering to listen. That means the world, you are so kind. And know that it is a two-way street, I'm here for you too, should you need someone to talk to.
Thank you so much. I'm very happy and for once proud of myself for making the progress I'm making. I'll try to remember your kind words when I feel low.
I have the same wish. One day we will talk about mental illness with any shame or stigma. We will get there, I know we will. I think the key is to educate people and just talk about it, as much as we can.
Oh, thank you. Your own outfits are really beautiful too. And I LOVE your hair colour!
Thank you so much for such a warm and intelligent comment. I am so happy you reached out to me. Thank you so much!
Much love,
Mona
Du är fantastisk Mona, glöm aldrig det!!
ReplyDeleteTack fina Julia! Du är också fantastisk och vacker både på utsidan och insidan.
DeleteI think it's amazing that you have shared about your life as well as your wardrobe! Not only does it raise awareness but it will offer comfort to those who are going through the same things.
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit! I just looked up the dress but sadly its sold out in my size now. The blouse is so lovely too, such a great combination!
Happy New Year dear Mona!
Emma Xx
www.emmaslookingglass.com
Thank you Emma! <3
DeleteI really hope that is the case.
Thank you, aww that's too bad. Gotta be real quick when things are on sale. Thank you so much beautiful!
Happy New Year to you too lovely!!
Much love
You look beautiful and I'm happy that you shared as it may give someone else suffering some hope. Not easy to let out, but its good when one does. I hope all things continue to go up for you doll xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much lovely. I hope so, if it could lead to someone else getting a bit of hope I feel like it was totally worth it.
DeleteYeah, you're right. It's not easy, but it does make things easier.
Thank you, and the same for you Kizzy! <3
Much love
This dress is gorgeous and is definitely a workhorse piece. It's so cute and versatile. I love it with a top layered underneath.
ReplyDeleteAnd I definitely think it's great you talk about your life - even the hard parts! You never know who's going through the same thing and could use someone to relate to.
Jamie | PetitePanoply.com
Thank you so much Jamie! I really like it with a blouse too, I feel like it can be varied a lot.
DeleteThank you! That means a lot. That's true, and it feels important talking about things that someone might take comfort in.
Much love!