Mental health coping techniques from our Huntington's disease ambassadors.
Living with Huntington’s disease can bring emotional and psychological challenges. Mental health is impacted not just for the person with Huntington's but for those living at risk, family members, carers, and loved ones. On this page, our charity ambassadors share personal stories, practical coping strategies, and personal advice to help you look after your mental health while navigating life with Huntington’s.
Cara
I absolutly love reading my Kindle. Often times, I will go into a cafe, order a drink and a sandwich and I will just sit for a couple of hours reading my Kindle and taking time for myself. Self-care is the most important part of taking care of your mental health. There's lots of support on the Huntington's Disease Association website so if you are struggling please know that you are not alone.
Ian
Trying to stay as fit and healthy as you can. Eat well, exercise and set yourself some goals or challenges to try and do - they are really good for keeping you focused and positive. Try and get into research studies as that helps make you feel like you are making a difference. Accept that there are going to be dark days, but have that person or people that you can speak to about how you're feeling and how it's affecting you.
Amy
For me, running has always boosted my mental health. Since my gene-positive diagnosis, I have found that getting out for a run is a great way to have a space to think - and sometimes also to not think, it just clears my head. Being out in nature and seeing the beauty of the world around me helps me to feel grateful for the here and now even if the future is a bit more uncertain. Appreciating what my body can do while it still can really boosts me.
Becky
Coping strategies for me - I find, if I think of three things to be grateful for every day, even small things such as the sun on your face, I think it retrains your brain and helps you feel more positive. I love to see my friends and socialise and go out for meals. I do love music, I find it really uplifting and it is an escape for me - I even have a little dance. I love to read and I love to swim, I love walking in nature, that really helps.
Megan
In terms of a coping mechanism, I think for me it's really important that we just get outside. Put our coats on, get our dogs, and go for a walk for 5 or 10 minutes or even half an hour. Putting your headphones in and listening to a podcast or your favourite music. It just really helps to reset and escape things and I think puts things into perspective.
Amye
Some of the mental health strategies that I have found useful are meeting up with my friends, going for long walks, doing mindfulness such as listening to music and doing art, having a journal as well to write down my feelings and emotions can also be really helpful. Doing physical activity such as going to the gym or walking the dog. It's just really important to do the things you enjoy. I also find doing self-care makes me feel a lot better both mentally and physically.
Mental health support
You can find a range of advice, support and resources on our mental health page.