It's that time of year again and as Christmas 2024 fast approaches, I find myself reflecting on my twin and mental health. I want to throw mental health into the mix, because it's not far. It is never far. Mental health and personal grief have left its indelible mark. I've decided not to add politics and Covid-19 into this year's pre-Christmas reflections.

Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays

The holidays can be tough for everyone because they bring gentle reminders – my situation is no exception. Grief has been my constant companion. My twin's absence feels heavy.

I find comfort in sharing stories about my twin. Talking helps me to understand and come to terms with her loss. The feelings of loss don't go away, but I’m slowly learning to make space for it. My twin's death still hasn't sunk in. It was a traumatic time.

Finding Light in the Darkness

The holidays for me are a time to reflect on my mental health and what truly matters: resilience. It's been difficult. This year, I am choosing to focus on the small, meaningful moments – slowly learning to lean into the light.

No one is completely free from mental health challenges; we all face something that disrupts our balance, quality of life. This is where my writing helps.

Happy Holidays to all my readers and thank you so much for your continued support this year. x

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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