Maybe it’s the action of repetition, scrolling endlessly and searching for images that I can relate to, but when I am really struggling – or even if I’m just feeling on edge – I find making Pinterest Boards, or adding to existing Pinterest Boards a very helpful tool for coping.

If you’re unfamiliar with Pinterest then let me explain. Pinterest is an online website where you can create your own ‘boards’, much like having a pin board or bulletin board at home – Pinterest allows you to make these boards public, and secret. For me I have some boards that I worry may be triggering for others, so I keep them private. I have quite a few Pinterest boards – including one packed with images of rather fine looking gentlemen… a girl can dream!

hello there Douglas Booth…

All blushing aside, Pinterest is really really useful for me. I can track down images that articulate exactly how I’m feeling, and sometimes when you’re feeling rough, and you feel like nobody would understand then I think it’s really special to find a way to portray how you feel – whether you choose to show these images to others or not. Sometimes I simply feel like I cannot do anything, I blog a lot – but there are times where I just want to get lost in my own mind, or I just cannot muster up the energy to do anything – this is where Pinterest is really useful, it gives me something to do – it keeps me being productive – even if it’s not the same as going for a walk or whatever. And, Pinterest often throws really inspirational stuff my way – which helps me feel a little more motivated.

Pinterest is like a huge bank of fantastic images – I often stumble across really cool comics, cartoons, sketches and more that hit the nail on the head when it comes to some of my feelings and thoughts toward mental illness. For example:

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I really love Pinterest, and I have many boards dedicated to mental health related topics:

• Crafting / Coping Strategies
• LIGHTBULB
• Mental Health
• Monster
• PTSD
• Recovery
• Self-Care
• Tough Times

I’d quite happily sit here and post several (hundred) images that I’ve found on Pinterest, but I’m gunna leave it all mysterious for you! Go and check out Pinterest, and please tell me that I’m not the only one who does this haha!