My disability and mental health was something that just existed, neither were acknowledged or discussed. Living with something I didn't know I had – later learning it was cerebral palsy, meant that from a young age I was navigating the world on my own. It wasn't just living with the physical every day challenges and having to meet my responsibilities as a child, but it was having to work through the emotional and mental health challenges as well and spectacularly failed.

The CP Diary space

Fast forward to a diagnosis and The CP Diary blog was born – it's not just a space for me. I wanted to create a space where I could move forward with an understanding of myself and what that looked liked. The CP Diary is a space that may from time to time, challenge misconceptions, confront stigmas and educates. It’s where I lay everything bare including mental health and disability. Disability may often be reduced to what people see: the physical manifestations. Mental health challenges associated with these disabilities are often overlooked or misunderstood, sometimes by those who may not notice them, find them difficult to comprehend, and at times by those who may consciously avoid acknowledging them. I talk about them.

Conclusion

In sharing my own journey, I am not only giving voice to my own experiences but also creating a platform for others to reflect on their challenges. Each post is a conversation starter, an invitation to think differently about the topic I am writing about. It’s about the intersection of mental health and physical health, and the way they impact each other. It’s about the courage it takes to face every day, even when you're not feeling on top of the world, when life feels heavy. It's about showing up.