As a child, I had a stuffed toy that I made in school called Mongy that became my childhood imaginary friend. It was green one side and purple the other.
It was exactly like me, because its left leg was smaller and thinner than its right, because when making it, I misjudged the amount of cotton wool I had stuffed into it, so the left side was always smaller than its right. It was the same with me.
I couldn’t have known the meaning behind its construction, but I love that it was the same. I used to carry it around with me wherever I went... I'd talk to it, and I'd sleep with it and sometimes I just didn't have to talk.
When I left home, I had no recollection of what happened to it and felt awful. Mongy helped me to keep a sense of sense and the world around me. My stuffed toy, was my escapism. It was my comfort in 'my difficult world. It saved me from sickness.
It would have been great to have had an imaginary friend as a child, but we moved around a lot so I didn't have that luxury.
We had everything taken away from us on a regular basis. My only escape was reading books, so I did have a way out, but even through books, I couldn't always get far enough away from the chaos that was my world.
I'm glad that you had something to hold on to since so many of us usually don't. Hopefully there will be a time when we could finally have a chance to talk about all of this.
Thanks Randy. Yes, our lives run parallel, slightly different in parts, but on the whole we have the same things to deal with, around mental illness.
It would have been lovely for you to having something you could hold on to also, something that made you feel easier and comforted. Mental health is difficult made worse when others don't understand how we present and become impatient.
In Covid-19 with mental health already rock bottom, it can make those with mental health issues even more vulnerable and exposed.
I am sure Randy, your imaginary friend would have made your world less chaotic.
I never had a childhood imaginary friend, but looking back it might have been nice to have someone to talk to and share things with instead of bringing myself up.
'Mongy' sounds like your shadow, and I'm sorry you lost it when moving house.
Thank you. Yes, mongy was my shadow. It was a shame you didn't have something or someone you could talk to.
I would never condone anyone having to bring themselves up and although your circumstances weren't ideal, sometimes depending on the childhood, it's not altogether bad, as long as you don't get into hot water without the support and guidance.
From what you say in your responses, you did okay. I am sure your parents will have seen you have done okay and will be proud.