A quick check in..

I have been updating a lot of things on my other blog recently , so thought I would pop over here and write a little update on how the grey matter is doing.

In August of 2024 I started my training for my new job with LFB, and finally passed out at the end of October. Since that time I have been working my probation period, of which I am still in, and gaining some confidence and experience in the role. I have to say at this point, even with the little hiccups here and there, I LOVE IT! It is the best thing that could have happened, and I really never look back.

Finally earlier this month, with dental surgery on the horizon I booked some time off, both to recover from the surgery, and to get some down time away from work. Originally planning to be off for two tours, I eventually extended that to three just to give my mouth a bit more time to heal. That has worked out well for me, and I feel mentally and physically recovered and refreshed.

My last day of leave was Wednesday, and yesterday I went to head office in Union St SE1 to start a Mental Health First Aiders course. Something that I have been interested in doing for a long time, and was fortunate enough to be offered it by the Brigade. A couple of years back, the idea of walking into the HQ of a huge organisation would have terrified me, let alone to go through the sign in process, and then walk into a room of strangers, introduce myself and then engage with them for a day.

So the idea that I am sitting in my parking spot right by HQ for Day 2 of the course is mind-blowing to me, and maybe to a few others who know me. There are no nerves, no concerns, nothing. Just passing the time until I go in and get settled for the day.

The idea of practising and doing roleplays does make me a little twitchy, but I am positive that that is something 99% of people feel, I mean, who WANTS to do roleplay other than actors haha. But none the less, they are a great bunch of people, and all there for the same reason as me. To learn to help others in moments of crisis.

Obviously the whole subject resonates quite deeply with me, and anyone who has read a lot of these blogs will know I used to work with the RCGP in London, helping give students experience of triaging and diagnosing people struggling with their mental health. Not to mention having had decades of experiences with my own mental health too. So to finally be able to be there for someone else is a great feeling.

I say this all based on Day 2 going well and me actually getting through the course. But at this point I see no reason it shouldn’t go well. There are some tough topics to go through, but the realities of mental health run deep, so all par for the course.

It has been eye opening to get others perspectives on their own experiences and opinions of all aspects of mental health, as well as very helpful and educational. It is too easy to get caught up in your own experiences and beliefs without considering it from other angles on it, so I am thankful for that.

Generally though, I am in a good place mentally, feeling strong and determined, with the drive to do everything I can to the best of my ability. Back to being hungry for knowledge and most importantly , to me at least, keen to get out there, exercise, interact and exist!

In the next week or two I am hoping to be a lot more active than I have been of late, and add the element of escapism back into my routines. More time to process, offload and refresh my mind, and a lot more self care.

Right, it’s pouring with rain, and I have a short dash to the office, so better get myself going now. Thanks as ever for reading, and I hope it has given some insight.

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