Hello everyone, it’s great to be back! I hope you’re all doing well. As we missed June’s blog, this will be a mix of the past two months. So much has happened in the last two months and I’m afraid I can’t fit it all in!

We recently celebrated our 5th birthday by hosting our Summer Wellbeing Day with Isorropia members and their family and friends.

It was all about fun and connection! Thank you to everybody who came along, the Isorropia team had a great day celebrating with you.

If you’re a member and you’re not receiving our emails, contact us and let us know so you don’t miss any events or updates!

The past 5 years have flown by and we are grateful to everyone, past and present, who have helped Isorropia Foundation get to where we are today and we look forward to what the next 5 years will bring!

Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s important to acknowledge that we can’t always be at our best. One of the most courageous things we can do is to admit when we’re struggling and reach out for help. Being honest about how we’re feeling is a pivotal step in improving our wellbeing.

It can be tough when setbacks happen, but facing these challenges head-on is crucial for moving forward. Recently, I encountered a particularly difficult situation when my 19-year-old son was involved in a serious motorcycle accident at the end of June. The shock of the accident was immense, and I immediately went into mom mode, taking care of what needed to be done. I made the important decision to reach out to my colleagues and let them know what was happening, something I wouldn’t normally do. I realised the importance of letting people know so they could understand and offer support.

After the initial shock wore off, I experienced a range of emotions: lack of energy, numbness, fear, guilt, worry, anger, anxiety, and overwhelm. I found myself trying to bury my emotions instead of dealing with them. These responses were completely natural. However, the key thing that I did differently this time was reaching out to friends and colleagues. I was open about where I was at, being truthful and honest, allowing myself to truly feel those emotions and be kind to myself. Journaling is usually my go-to wellness tool, but since I lacked the energy, I turned to reading and revisited some questions I had asked myself before. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made!

Being honest with ourselves and those around us is key to maintaining our mental health. It’s okay to have moments of feeling low and vulnerable. By reaching out and allowing ourselves to feel, we can build resilience and face life’s challenges with greater strength.

How do you feel when experiencing low mood?

Examples: Not wash or dress, withdraw and isolate, stay in bed, overthink, negative thoughts, take things to heart, clouded thinking, shake, sleepless.

What things keep you well?

Examples: talk to people I trust, walk the dog, journal (find 3 positives in the day), read, drink water, eat healthy, garden, brain dump my feelings on paper, listen to upbeat music, meditation, get dressed (wear something nice), do my hair/make up, feel the feelings (it’s ok), be kind to yourself.

 Ask yourself:

• • What things can I control? 
  • What are the things I can’t control?
  • Can I influence/change this situation? If I cant can I accept it and let it go?
  • What are my beliefs right now?
  • Are my beliefs true?
  • What am I making this mean?
  • What do I feel about this situation or what do I want to feel?
  • What positive things are happening in my life right now?
  • Name 3 situations I have overcome in the past?
  • Who can I talk to?
  • How can I grow from this?

 It’s okay to not always be at 100%, we’re all human. Reflecting on how I would have dealt with such a situation in the past made me realise how far I have come and how much more resilient I am now. By setting a goal from my wellbeing list each day and being honest with myself, I’ve managed to get back on track. This small act was a significant step towards reclaiming my wellbeing. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in our lowest moments, we can find strength in simple actions.

 It’s been a month since my son’s accident, and he’s doing well—getting stronger every day and starting to walk independently again.

It’s crucial to understand that feeling down doesn’t always stem from a major event or circumstance. It could be as simple as a comment or a negative thought. Life is full of ups and downs, and the key is to remember that the lows won’t last. You have the strength to overcome them.

When you’re feeling down, acknowledge it. Remind yourself that it’s normal to feel sad or frustrated. Take some time to sit with those emotions, rest, and show yourself some compassion. Just remember not to let yourself be consumed by negativity. You have the power to break free from that cycle. By embracing these moments and being honest about them, we build resilience and move forward, one step at a time.

If you want to learn tools for low mood, I recommend our workshops ‘Overcoming Low Mood’ and ‘The Fear of Getting Well.’ Also, you may find ‘wellbeing planning’ useful to help you set those small goals to get on track.

Zara | Volunteer Mentor

Favourite Workshop: Building Health Relationship, because it can truly be a useful tool to have in forming connections with others which before I did the workshop, I found hard to do or I would make the wrong kind of friendships and relationship. Now having done this workshop I have all the skills and tools to make more meaningful friendships and relationships which are more in line with the kind of person I truly am.

What keeps me well: I find that spending time in the countryside and connecting with wildlife really boosts my overall wellbeing. It’s amazing how much nature has to offer when you take the time to explore and learn about it. Another thing that has helped me is learning to prioritize my own needs and saying no when necessary. I used to feel guilty about taking time for myself, but now I set aside two days a week for self-care. Whether it’s catching up with friends over coffee or spending time on my hobbies like gaming and working on my YouTube channel, these “me” days help me recharge and be myself.

Favourite Quote: My favourite quote would be from Chris Grosser who said the following “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them” and I strongly believe this quote as we all have the power within us if take the chance to act on them and not let our own fears and inner critic tell us we’re not good enough at it, as we are all good enough and can do it.

About Me: Hi, I’m Zara, one of the volunteer Mentors at Isorropia. I started out as a member like so many others, I had ups and downs with things like building friendships, and mental health illnesses, like depression and anxiety. In the past, I went from one NHS mental health service to another and got a little better, but I never had a team or someone to turn to if I had a low moment, until I found out about Isorropia. When I started, I felt like “here we go again” but as time went on and I fully took onboard their workshops and ‘The Gift Course’. I found they are not like the others, and they gave me the time to come to terms with things on my own. Isorropia where always happy to advise, guide, and help me see things outside the box. Through the toolbox of skills, I found myself and I’m the happiest version of myself I can be right now.

So, when they had a volunteering role come up, I jumped at the idea of being able to give back to a great mental health organisation, as they were able to give me so many more skills and tools I didn’t have, or I didn’t know how to use correctly. I always enjoyed volunteering at places I have passion for. When I was 16 years old, I volunteered at Osborne House with the horse drawn carriages when it was run by the late Mr John Parker of swingletree stables. There I volunteered while going to high school then they employed me when I left high school. I’d say the thing I enjoy about volunteering is I get to help and support a company I have a passion for. It’s a way for me to give back and say thank you for helping me and supporting me. Plus, I enjoy helping and supporting people, so it’s a good fit and makes me feel like I am doing something good. 

Jo-Ann | Volunteer Mentor & Minibus Driver

My Role: I drive the bus. Which I love. I like the way people get on the bus for the first time.  They are very nervous and have high levels of anxiety.  I like to try and put them at ease. The bus is completely silent going to Isorropia.  Then coming back doing the drop off, the people are talking and optimistic about the future. 

I’m also a Mentor. Mentoring is my ikigai. I love being able to put people at ease and helping guide them through the workshops.  It brings me great satisfaction and joy.

I also support ‘The Gift Course’. I do the slides. It’s certainly never boring. I love helping with this because I get to see people’s light bulb moments 💡 Kind of watching the effects of the gift workshop suddenly change people’s views on life and goal making.  It’s great.

Favourite Workshop: My favourite workshop is definitely the gift and the inner critic. The name of mine is wrong Rodger. I refuse to listen to his negativity and choose to be optimistic. I actually love all of the workshops.

What keeps me well: I love that I now have a dog. I love walking him. He is very cuddly and knows when I need him by my side. He is in training as a support dog for me. He brings me great joy. Sometimes frustration. Also, my volunteering keeps me well. I am constantly learning. I work hard on myself every day, and I journal. Find something good in every day.

Favourite Quote: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” I got it from watching Steel Magnolias. I think Shirley Maclain said it and I’ve hung on to it ever since.

Mike | Volunteer Minibus Driver

Favourite Workshop: The Repair Shop workshop on TV! I have not attended any Isorropia workshops as I am content at the moment to just drive.

What keeps me well: Now that I am retired, I like to keep myself active through doing some voluntary work, walking. To stay mentally healthy I read a lot, play guitar and ukulele and I make wooden scale models of boats (radio controlled) and trams trains etc. to keep my mind active.

Favourite Quote: Desiterata by Max Ehrmann.

This is a long “quote” of rules or guidelines to live by it starts “Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons…”

I urge you if you have not heard this before to look it up and read it in full. (Click here to read the full quote)

About Me: I live in Lake with my wife Gill and we have been married for 41 years this July. We have two sons and one granddaughter. Before I retired, I was working for the ambulance service at St. Mary’s as a Patient Transport driver/care assistant.

Prior to that I was a self-employed driving instructor for about 10 years and prior to that I was a full time Youth and Community worker for nearly 25 years. It was this that brought me to the island in 1981 as a youth worker in Cowes. I subsequently worked back in my native Norfolk (in Gt Yarmouth) before moving back to the island to work at Ventnor Youth and community centre and then Sandown Youth Centre.

I love walking, I am learning to play guitar and ukulele. Music is very important to me, I like many types from heavy rock to traditional folk, blues and some classical!

Gill and I go to many live music events including festivals in our camper van.

I love riding my motorbike (only in good weather these days).

As well as volunteering for Isorropia, I also volunteer for Shanklin Community Library to help in keeping it running following council cuts several years ago. I also sing in a male voice choir, raising money for local charities. So far this year we have raised over £1500.

Volunteering is ‘going to work’ for me now, it gives me a sense of purpose and provides a means to meet new people from all walks of life. I always intended to volunteer when I finally finished full time employment and I hope to be able to continue doing so for many years.

Tasha | Community Engagement Volunteer

Favourite Workshop: Confidence & Self Esteem, I need this workshop periodically to remember to push myself in order to keep gaining my confidence.

What keeps me well: Mindfulness. Puzzles. Audio books (Thrillers).

Favourite Quote: “It’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

About Me: I first came to Isorropia 4.5 years ago, I was isolating myself from the world & had extremely low self-esteem & self-worth.

After engaging with all the workshops & completing the Gift course, I entered the community umbrella, and it was here I met friends that helped & supported me on the next part of my journey, helping to keep me socialising in groups & they will be in my life forever!

It was in these groups that I found my passion for the community & it’s value in members journeys, I slowly started volunteering my time to make posters & help with the Newsletter and, now, I create the Newsletter each month, make all the social group posters, and hopefully keep members engaged on The Graduates Facebook Page.

This helps keep me well & would encourage anyone to find their passion & volunteer!

Keith | Minibus Driver & Mentor

Favourite Workshop: Fear of getting well

What keeps me well: Realising your emotions and thoughts are not facts they are more like clouds in the sky, sometimes dark and sometimes light and fluffy with blue skies, let it pass.

Favourite Quote: “Those that mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind, remember you do you!”

About Me: My lived experience has been living my life as I perceived society and family expected me too until I burnt out in 2016 suffering from anxiety, severe depression and a mental breakdown. I distanced myself from unhelpful relationships losing my sense of self purpose, identity, career, marriage and home. 

Three years ago, I relocated to the Isle of Wight from Belfast joining the RNLI crew in Cowes and Isorropia as a training mentor in the past 12 months. Mentally, I’m in the best place I ever have been with new empowerment skills learnt here to move out of victim mode. 

I also came out as gay late in life to my family, friends, and children, and have learnt to forgive and let go of my inner prejudice. Learning self-respect, able to be my true self with a new aim to help and inspire others.

Thank you so much to our wonderful team of volunteers!

Karleigh xxx