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Identity Beyond Mental Health

Mental health doesn't define who we are as individuals, our behaviour, actions and choices are what define us. Having a mental health condition does not make someone less of a person or determine their worth.

It is simply a part of who they are, similar to any physical ailment or condition. How they behave and interact with others, how they handle challenges and obstacles, and how they treat themselves and those around them can define their character.

'Mental Health and Mental Health Conditions' But when it comes to mental health, mental health conditions are common and can affect anyone at any time. Seeking help and support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is how we choose to address and manage mental health that truly reflects who we are.

Mental health impacts behaviour While mental health impacts our behaviour, it is only one aspect of our identity. We are multifaceted beings, capable of empathy, tolerance, acceptance, growth and change. Our actions and behaviour shape our relationships with others and make up our identity on how others will see us.

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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Imagine Your Life

Imagine being born with something you don’t know you have. The muscle tone on one side of your body is under-developed and you are stared at because you walk with a limp. You have a foot that doesn’t look the same as the other foot, that you much later learn is a ‘drop foot.’ You have one leg shorter than the other and as a result you walk toe heel, not heal toe. And your arm is weaker on that same side.

Heel raise

Imagine being under the care of a paediatrician, and as a result of your leg length difference, you’re told that you have to have a heel raise on your shoe to accommodate the leg length difference and you have no understanding why, because nothing is said; but you only know what you can see and you don’t understand.

School

Imagine also, then as a child attending school and 'not getting school,' and while children don’t always get school initially and they may peak at different times to their siblings and classmates, through maturity, they begin to understand school and as a result they actively take part and then excel with all the support mechanisms in place. That didn't happen for me.

Cerebral Palsy and Autism

Imagine the trauma and stress you go through just to survive and you later learn the reason why; later learning in your forties you have cerebral palsy and then 10 years later, you find out through further testing that you in fact grew up with a mental and emotional disability in the form of autism and that is the reason you failed in school and everyone at the time thought you were stupid, because your poor grades matched your capabilities; and everyone put that down to you just being incapable, not incapable because you deal with something like a mental disability. Yes, imagine.

Living ‘a lie’

Imagine also, you find out you had been diagnosed with a disability at the age of 2 and the life you’ve lived is a lie and the lie continues, and you then uncover and discover the truth yourself. Fast-forward and then fast-forward again, you uncover all the facts; the truth and you’re left with a jigsaw that finally has all the pieces, but it has left you emotionally drained and reeling at the same time and you still have no support. Yes, imagine. My whole life has been and continues to be a lie; none of my own doing or making.

All of this could have been avoided

Imagine also, that much of your stress attributable to ‘not knowing’ could have been avoided, and with the emotional and mental support in place throughout, you could have functioned in what would be normal for you.

That didn’t happen, all of this is true; and fast forward to now. It’s not surprising then, I’m still struggling to comprehend what’s happened and I’m still here with the mess. I don’t blame the universe, it wasn’t in a position to help me, but it has catapulted me into being able to write; so that I don’t have to live my life in the dark anymore.

My writing softens the blow

My writing softens the blow, but it doesn’t take away my pain; the pain that I’ve had to endure. My physical, physiological, mental and emotional struggles through my disability aren’t always evident in daily life; enough for others to see, for them to give me the sympathy; the empathy, tolerance, patience or compassion. It’s not like a broken leg.

Losing my twin

And although losing my twin is not the same as what I was made to live through; it is all traumatic. I have no idea how I’ve managed to mentally keep everything together. Now I have no idea how the other half of my life is going to shape up without my twin. I have had nothing and I am still working everything out for myself.

My writing serves as a coping mechanism

My writing serves as a coping mechanism and a means of expression. Through my words, not only validate my own experiences but also offer insight and solidarity to those who may be facing similar struggles.

My writing keeps things real

My writing keeps things real. I’m honest, open and transparent if nothing else; as I continue to bring truth and meaning to my words; not just for me. Through 14 years of writing, my topics are varied. My words and writing is universal, everyone can if they want to place my words, and it fit into their life, with what they deal with.

I am happy to share my journey

I am happy to share my journey and writing with others. I hope my words have the power to inspire and uplift, serving as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is strength in vulnerability and beauty in resilience.

If there is something out there that’s affecting ‘my mental health’ you’ll find me writing about it on my blog. My writing keeps my thoughts alive. I hope you will continue to read.

If you like my blog, The CP Diary is a place where I get to write more blogs, to explore topics that help us to live better lives. Every day I put out a different blog with simple, practical tips to help with physical and mental wellness.

To receive my daily blogs straight to your in-box you can also sign up on my website: https://www.thecpdiary.com

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Mental Health in 2024

Alarming headlines... "Mental Health referrals for children soar by 53% in England."

The Headlines continue

"NHS figures show more than 600 mentally ill children a week are deteriorating to such a state that they have reached crisis point. There were 32,521 emergency and urgent referrals to child and adolescent mental health services crisis teams in 2022-23, analysis of official data by the Royal College of Psychiatrists revealed. In 2019-20, the year before the Covid pandemic, the figure was 21,242." (Source: theguardian.com)

Mental health issues clearly continue to be a significant concern for individuals and society as a whole. Despite increased awareness, many people are still struggling, including children, to receive the help and support they need around mental health issues. With autism, I continue to deal with mental health issues.

If you have a predisposition to mental health issues, without the help those issues will not go away. With the help you may reduce your anxiety associated with mental health and can learn to manage to cope better.

Increased Stress and Societal Pressures

Factors such as increased stress and societal pressures still contribute to the prevalence of mental health issues. Adult or child alike, mental health is worsening at an alarming rate. Additionally, in Covid-19 access to mental health services remain a challenge for many, leading to untreated mental health conditions and worsening symptoms.

Efforts to improve mental health

Efforts to improve mental health resources and support systems need to be a priority, but there is still more work to be done. It is important for individuals to prioritise their own mental wellbeing and seek help when needed. The NHS is still struggling to cope to help people access NHS mental health services.

Politicians need to work to help people to access mental health care. They also need to talk about mental health and the stigmas associated with mental health, so that they help break down the stigmas of mental health. It is clear from the stats, mental health needs a lot of work. What is it going to take to be serious about mental health, to deal with mental health?

Working on our own mental health

By us individually working on our own mental health, we can prioritise and help create a more supportive and inclusive environment, to ensure that others have the support they need to live healthy lives. It is important to continue to advocate for mental health, to make it a priority, so that we can adapt into society better.

If you're interested and fancy grabbing copies of my books that deal with mental health, you can take advantage of my Easter promotion through the following link https://www.thecpdiary.com/my-books/ – just apply EASTER50 code. Offer ends end of April.

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

[thecpdiary]

Exercise Gender Differences

The Exercise Gender Differences' study sheds light on the differences in exercise requirements for men and women, challenging the notion of one-size-fits-all physical activity.

The findings suggest that women may achieve comparable longevity benefits with less exercise compared to men, due to physiological differences such as muscle mass and heart efficiency.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Exercise Benefits and Requirements

Men require approximately 300 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous exercise to achieve peak "survival benefit," resulting in an 18% lower risk of mortality.

Women, on the other hand, can achieve similar benefits with only 140 minutes of exercise per week, reducing mortality risk by 18%. Further, exercising for 300 minutes a week lowers their risk by 24%.

Muscle Strengthening Activity

Men benefit most from three sessions a week of muscle strengthening activity, whereas women require only one session to attain equivalent benefits.

Current Exercise Trends

In the United States, a larger proportion of men meet the recommended physical activity guidelines compared to women across all age groups.

Physiological Differences

The study attributes these variations in exercise requirements to physiological differences between men and women, such as differences in muscle mass, lean body mass, heart size, and efficiency.

Women tend to have higher capillary density per unit of skeletal muscle, which enhances blood flow with smaller amounts of exercise compared to men.

Implications and Closing the Gender Gap

The findings suggest the need to revise current exercise guidelines to reflect sex-specific differences in exercise requirements.

This research aims to motivate women to engage in regular physical activity by highlighting the significant benefits achievable with comparatively lower exercise volumes.

Future Considerations

The study underscores the importance of considering sex-specific factors in health guidelines and interventions, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

By acknowledging and understanding these sex-specific differences in exercise physiology, healthcare professionals can tailor recommendations more effectively, potentially closing the gender gap in exercise participation and promoting better overall health outcomes for women.

It is important to note that these findings are based on research studies and may not apply universally to all individuals. Factors such as age, culture, and individual preferences can also influence exercise habits and behaviours. (Source: washingtonpostcom)

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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High-Functioning Autism and its Challenges

When the UK Government called time on its relationship with the EU as a high-functioning autistic individual, I began to feel uneasy about it. Although I didn't quite understand why, I was aware it wasn't a good thing.

Autism Challenges: Brexit and Covid-19

Fast forward to Covid-19 and things got a whole lot worse. Brexit and Covid-19 are two major events, including gaslighting, that we have all been affected by. The cost of living crisis is here to stay. It is important that people like me with high functioning autism are able to place our anxiety and worries in such a way that our anxiety and worries become reduced.

Common difficulties for people with High-functioning Autism

Some common difficulties experienced by individuals with high-functioning autism include sensory overload, difficulty understanding social cues and difficulty controlling emotions. These challenges can impact their ability to cope with various situations, including major events like Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Loss of my Twin In Covid-19 I lost my twin. Uncertainty and change for me have now become the norm. Through high-functioning autism, I deal with anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder, made worse because of the uncertainties of Brexit and Covid-19 and the loss of my twin.

Brexit and Covid-19 are on-going Brexit hasn't really started and it's on-going. Covid-19 isn't finished although it is reduced. It is important policymakers, healthcare professionals and communities continue to prioritise the needs of individuals with mental health issues, including high-functioning autism. By promoting understanding, acceptance and support, individuals like me with high-functioning autism can navigate complex situations better with the right support and with confidence. And while the high functioning autistic community is quiet, individuals with high functioning autism are still out there and they need help.

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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Mental Health and Wellness

Ill at ease means disease. I have lost two family members to mental health.

Addressing mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Reading books and blogs can contribute to mental health by providing insights, fostering empathy, promoting education and awareness, supporting adult and children's mental health and facilitating personal growth.

As a writer, both through my blog and books, I offer support and guidance to those struggling with mental health issues. By sharing my own experiences and insights, I hope to provide comfort to others who may be going through similar challenges.

Through 'my story' storytelling, I offer hope, inspiration and practical advice to help readers navigate mental health, who are seeking help and support through their own mental health journey.

My 'Books' and 'Blog' help with both.

[thecpdiary]

Something inspirational: “Trauma is personal. It does not disappear if it is not validated. When it is ignored or invalidated the silent screams continue internally heard only by the one held captive. When someone enters the pain and hears the screams healing can begin.” DANIELLE BERNOCK, Emerging With Wings: A True Story of Lies, Pain, And The LOVE that Heals Trauma is linked to disease. This is why it's important to deal with mental health, read the books, read the blog, on your journey to good mental health – to make mental health our aim; so that we reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. All the conditions that can lead to disease.

[thecpdiary]

Writing to Heal

I write to understand, to learn, to heal, to grow, to accept, to find and have clarity on my experiences, living with something I didn't know I had. Writing is a form of therapy, a way to process my thoughts and emotions, to reflect on my past and to spiritually heal. Through writing my books, (piecing my life together) I have found a deeper connection to myself and the world around me. I have a sense of peace and catharsis. It is difficult to grow up with something you don't know you have and to heal.

My Books

My books are a reflection of my journey, my struggles, my triumphs and my growth. They are a testament to my resilience, my determination and my ability to overcome adversity. But most importantly, they are a reminder that healing is possible, that growth is achievable and that with courage and perseverance, we can all find clarity and have peace in our lives.

My Books can also:

– Inspire and uplift readers' wellbeing

– Provide support to those going through similar challenges

– Offer a different perspective and insight on the various topics

– Introduce readers to mental health

– To support readers on their own 'mental health' journey

–Show readers how to become proactive and to take control

– Leave a lasting impact and legacy for future generations

Thank you to those who have chosen to read my books. I hope my words will resonate with you, and encourage you to keep moving forward and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles. I also hope you find the strength to confront your own demons, to embrace your own truths and to embark on your own journey of healing and growth. And most of all, I hope you find a renewed sense of hope and purpose in your lives.

If you're interested and fancy grabbing copies of my books, you can take advantage of my Easter promotion through the following link https://www.thecpdiary.com/my-books/ – just apply EASTER50 code. Offer ends end of April.

[thecpdiary]

Algorithms, Social Media and Mental Health

Social media algorithms have long been criticised and there is increasing evidence which confirms the detriment they can have on mental health. There are around 3.8 billion social media users worldwide, with each person averaging well over 2 hours of social media use per day. In those hours spent online, we’re beginning to see the harmful mental health impact including loneliness, anxiety, social comparison and depression. In order to get my message of mental health out there, I also have to spend time on social media, and I am seeing and experiencing these effects.

Social media is 'addictive'

Rewarding users with stimuli such as likes, notifications and comments, keeps users engaged with content. When a user’s photo receives a “like,” the same dopamine pathways involved in motivation, reward, and addiction are activated. But what keeps us hooked on social media isn’t just the pleasure rush of the like it’s the intermittent absence of the like that also keeps us engaged.

Algorithms are designed to control

Social media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged for long periods of time, providing users with personalised content tailored to their interests. Studies show this mindless scrolling can harm people’s mental health. 

Researchers have found that excessive social media use can lead to feelings of social isolation, low self-esteem and increased levels of stress and anxiety. This is because social media platforms often promote unrealistic standards of beauty and success, leading to negative social comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.

A constant stream of information

Additionally, the constant stream of information and updates on social media can be overwhelming, leading to information overload and difficulty in focusing on important tasks. This constant state of distraction also contributes to feelings of anxiety, leading to disconnection.

Algorithms prioritise content that generates high levels of engagement

Furthermore, social media algorithms are designed to prioritise content that generates high levels of engagement, such as controversial, or emotionally charged content. This can lead to polarising opinions, the spread of misinformation, and an increase in online harassment and bullying.

Negativity spreads

Another common quality of popular content is negativity. The reality of course, is that negative content keeps people on social media platforms for longer. A recent study tracking people’s eye movements as they read social media posts found that people tend to spend more time reading negative comments, rather than positive ones and another study of Twitter 'X', discovered that negative news spreads more broadly than positive news.

Social media companies are aware of the problems

Social media companies are well-aware of the algorithms and the detrimental impact they have on mental health. A Meta whistle-blower leaked documents revealing Facebook knew its products had a harmful effect on body issues among teenagers. A TikTok whistle-blower has also revealed the careful manipulation of the platform’s algorithm, maintaining engagement by prioritising emotionally triggering content to users. The user needs to be mindful.

The best way you can protect your mental health against algorithms that seem to be designed to harm, is to be mindful of the content you look at and how it makes you feel and try to limit your exposure to it. Ultimately, social media companies should be responsible for protecting their users from unnecessary harm and being transparent about their algorithms and how they work, telling users why exactly certain content has been shared with them.

Conclusion:

On the other hand, social media has been beneficial during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing people to share experiences with family and friends, combat isolation and provide a sense of togetherness. On the other hand, excessive use of social media can be detrimental, leading to negative impacts on mental health such as anxiety and depression. It is important for individuals to find a balance and practice moderation when using social media to avoid potential harm.

While social media does have some benefits of connecting people and sharing information, it also has a dark side when it comes to mental health. As a mental health advocate and someone who uses social media to get the mental health message across, I am unhappy at the impact social media is having on mental health.

Social media has become an important part of our lives, but it is the very thing that is connecting us, and is making our mental health worse. As a result, we're failing to be proactive, to take control, to deal with mental health. (Sources: haistanfordedunews namecheapcom)

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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Frontline Worker Loss Encounter

While out walking our dog in a local country house estate, we stopped at a coffee shop, and found ourselves talking to another dog owner who came over to us to chat about our dog. He had a dog with him which belonged to a friend of his who lost her husband to Covid when, as an ambulance paramedic, he wasn’t given adequate PPE to keep him safe. I’d heard about this on the news, but never met anyone personally who had gone through the experience.

The Covid-19 toll

While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on many individuals, including frontline workers like paramedics, doctors and nurses who selflessly risked their lives to save others, the lack of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) meant they were unable to carry out their jobs fully protected. It has been a major concern in the pandemic, highlighted by UK doctors trade union body, the British Medical Association (“BMA”) on numerous occasions.

Although society has moved on from thinking about Covid, it is essential to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by frontline workers, those workers belonged to someone. It is important not to forgot the lives that were lost. People died needlessly to a lack of sufficient PPE, which would have otherwise kept them safe. I remember reading about a shop-worker with cerebral palsy who lost her life to Covid while serving in the shop — PPE would have saved her too. I’d read and heard so many stories through the media, it was surreal hearing it from someone I’d never met before.

A Government’s job is to protect, to care

As a general thought, it would have been important for any sitting government to do all they could to ensure protection for as long as that was needed. It is important there is still help for the vulnerable so they can co-exist. In Covid — front line workers to do their jobs effectively and safely, needed to have the right equipment and the necessary support from Governments. This story I am recalling, was far too common and now Covid has become a mere inconvenience.

It is hard for the high risk and vulnerable to get back into their lives. Four-years in and Covid is reduced, but it is still difficult to do normal things. Mental health is relying on us living something resembling a ‘normal life’.

While this man was telling us about his friend, we also met the paramedic’s widow. This is a story I will continue to carry because I care. If they were struggling to come to terms with their loss, they bore their grief well and with dignity.

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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“Most people carry that pain around inside them their whole lives, until they kill the pain by other means, or until it kills them. But you, my friends, you found another way: a way to use the pain. To burn it as fuel, for light and warmth. You have learned to break the world that has tried to break you.” LEV GROSSMAN

For more inspirational quotes and blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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How Algorithms work on Social Media

How algorithms work around mental health on social media

The relationship between algorithms and mental health on social media, involves the use of computational models to predict the emergence of depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in those users.

Social media algorithms on apps like Twitter have been linked to adverse mental health outcomes, with concerns raised about their impact on mental well-being, including loneliness, anxiety, fear of missing out, social comparison, and depression.

This news is not new.

It does explain why mental health tweets on apps like Twitter, Facebook and tumblr. don't reach their full potential and why tweets about politics and politicians do meet their full potential; which gives them more 'air time'

Until this changes, around mental health issues, people will fall foul of illness and disease.

I talk about everything 'mental health' on my blog @TheCPDiary – I deal with mental health.

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Sustainable Eating

It is important to continue to focus on sustainability in our food systems. Adopting plant-forward diets can significantly reduce the environmental impact of our food choices, as plant-based foods generally require fewer resources to produce compared to animal products. Transitioning to sustainable packaging is also crucial for minimising waste and reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources.

Ethically sourced food Opting for ethically sourced and produced food products helps support fair labour practices and ensures that the environment is not harmed in the process of food production. Recycling and composting are important steps in reducing waste and closing the loop in our food systems.

The United Nations The United Nations' sustainable eating tips provide actionable steps for individuals to contribute to a more sustainable food system. Adding more plant-based options to our diets, choosing local and seasonal produce and minimising food waste are all impactful ways to reduce our ecological footprint and promote biodiversity, soil health and water conservation. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can make a positive impact on the planet and help create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

To finalise

The effects of what we eat are damaging and the changes we go on to make can protect the earth, your health and wellbeing and those of future generations to come.

“It is time to change how we produce and consume,” says United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “As a human family, a world free of hunger is our imperative.” – (Source: weforumorg)

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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The Power of Positive Thinking

Positivity and manifestation are powerful tools for shaping our reality. By shifting our thoughts and words towards positivity, we can create more opportunities, which can open more doors.

Emphasise possibilities, opportunities and gratitude Rather than focusing on limitations or negative outcomes, we can choose to emphasise possibilities, opportunities and gratitude. Setting positive intentions can help us align our actions with our goals, which can help us attract positive experiences.

Manifestation Manifestation (the sign of something happening) isn't just about wishful thinking; it also involves taking proactive steps, towards our goals and maintaining a positive mindset. When we combine positive thinking with purposeful action, we can unlock our full potential and create the life we desire.

It is important to speak positively, and offer words of encouragement, so that you may bring abundance into your life. It is also important to cultivate positivity and optimism, knowing that your thoughts and words have the power to shape yours and other people’s reality in positive ways.

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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The CP Diary: 14-Years-Old

The CP Diary is coming up to 14 years in May 2024. The blog I started 14 years ago – isn't the blog I'm working on today. A lot has happened, there are a lot of changes I'm having to get past – to navigate – the politics, Brexit, Covid-19, the loss of my twin – every day life has become more of a challenge.

Mental health is being ignored for the most part – like it's happening to a prototype of us, not us – that if we ignore it, it will go away – and we will be okay. Mental health doesn't care whose health, or life it claims.

I've learned a lot over the years

Through my writing, I have learned a lot over the years about myself, about how to navigate life with a mental disability – there's still more I am having to learn about, the obstacles I am made to overcome obstacles. With autism, I lose.

My commitment has remained constant But the one thing that has remained constant throughout these 14-years, is my commitment to sharing my experiences and insights with others. I may not always have all the answers, but I believe that by being open and honest about my struggles and any victories that come my way, I can help inspire others to keep pushing forward in their own journeys.

You have to put the time in for 'Mental Health'

But you have to put the time in to work on your 'mental health' to read my blogs; to be proactive, to break the old patterns, respond differently, so you are living a different life.

The CP Diary Platform While the content of my blog may have evolved over the years to keep pace with topics that inform, my mission remains the same – to provide a platform for people to connect, to support and to share. Six years into my blog and the UK called time on its relationship with the EU – attitudes changed overnight and responses on my site stopped. There have been too many changes to deal with in the world; and as a result our needs have changed.

While it's not always easy to write about politics or the changes we have to adapt to, I hope through my writing, you can see and understand with clarity what those changes are. The Conservative Party in Government in the UK, isn't the party it was, its new right-wing values are not the values I grew up with. As for my writing, no matter the topic, I hope it goes some way to inform.

As for my diary, here's to many more years of The CP Diary and the meaningful conversations it brings.

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." SAINT AUGUSTINE

For more inspirational quotes and blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

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Please Help To Support Indie Authors

Indie authors can have unique and engaging perspectives that may not be found in mainstream literature that may not get as much attention in mainstream publishing... they struggle to survive in the literary world. By supporting them, you are encouraging diversity in the literary world and helping their talent to thrive alongside your more traditional authors.

Indie writers/authors are often overlooked in the mainstream publishing industry by traditional publishing houses, making it difficult for them to reach a wide audience. Despite these challenges, many indie authors continue to persevere and find success through self-publishing or alternative publishing methods. It's important for readers to seek out and support indie authors, as they often bring fresh and unique perspectives to the literary landscape.

But with your support, you can help elevate their voices and bring attention to their work. It is important for “indie author” to have the opportunity for publicity & recognition alongside mainstream authors.

"Self publishers (indie authors) are among the last of the underestimated, struggling artists of the world. But no man (or writer) is an island. In the words of Eminem, “Why do I act like I'm all high and mighty, When inside, I'm dying, I am finally realizing I need help.” In the old days, an author needed an agent to get to a publisher and a miracle to get to an agent. Reaching readers any other way was totally out of the question." - (Source: Huffpostcom)

There are several ways you can support indie authors:

Purchase their books

One of the most direct ways to support indie authors is by purchasing their books. Whether it's a physical copy or an eBook, buying their work helps to directly fund their writing and creative endeavours.

Leave reviews

After reading their books, please consider leaving a review on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, or social media. Reviews help increase the visibility of the book and can encourage others to check it out.

Spread the word

Share your favourite indie books with friends, family and on social media. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be incredibly powerful in helping indie authors reach new readers.

Support on line

Showing support in person or online can mean a lot to indie authors.

Follow indie authors on social media

By following indie authors on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, you can stay up-to-date on their work, promotions, and upcoming releases. Engaging with their content and sharing it with your own followers can help expand their reach. It is a difficult industry for non-celebrity authors.

By supporting indie authors, you can help them continue to create and share their stories with the world. Indie authors don't have the same support or platforms as celebrity authors, so can fail to make headway.

Allowing for more diverse and unique voices

By supporting indie authors it means you're allowing for more diverse and unique voices to be heard. Indie authors do have more control over their work and can produce high-quality content that do not fit into traditional publishing models. But by supporting indie authors, you are contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic literary landscape and you're giving them a chance to succeed amongst mainstream authors, who automatically have a platform and who are known in the media.

Indie authors rely on word-of-mouth and community support, so backing them can make a meaningful impact on their success.

If you're interested and fancy grabbing copies of my books, you can take advantage of my Easter promotion through the following link https://www.thecpdiary.com/my-books/ – just apply EASTER50 code. Offer ends end of April.

For more inspirational, lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com