*Hello you lovely lot! Thanks so much for following along with my vlogmas* ❤ *Today was a festive day, but there’s a trigger warning for a short bit of mental health discussion towards the end after a very unusual incident on our street. We are all ok! I’ve popped a note on the screen with plenty of warning to skip it if needed x* *Ali x* ✨
ALL respect for sharing about mental health, and the truth that it is helpful to "talk about your mental health". Thank you. Interestingly enough, I do NOT feel like the "blog went to pot" ... instead you have made one of the most needed and loving vlog posts, in my opinion. Again, thanks.
I think it's amazing how empathetic and understanding you are towards your neighbour and her family for what they are going through. Many people wouldn't be. There's so much stigma and misinformation about mental health and mental illness and many people think those of us who struggle with it are weak or mentally/morally inferior and the media only contributes to that assumption. When it actually takes a lot of strength to live with mental illness along with every other challenge most people have to deal with. I have pretty severe mental health issues myself, and most of the people around me are unfortunately not understanding. So it was really encouraging how much empathy you had towards the situation and how you modelled that for your viewers who might not have the context or information to process something like that happening. I view your vlogs as one of the ways I cope with some of the challenges I face, so I really appreciated seeing you talk about this in the way you did!
Ali, I've been watching your vlogs for about a year now but have never commented until now. Bless you for your loving kindness to your neighbor in her crisis. I so agree with you: Mental illness should not be any more stigmatized than having diabetes... it's a chemical imbalance, not a moral failing! I am sure her family will be greatly relieved now that she'll be getting the help she needs. And yes, it certainly wasn't what you or your viewers were expecting when you started your day, but that's real life, isn't it? I found your channel this time last year when I was looking for advent project recommendations, and I've been a pretty faithful viewer ever since. I really enjoy seeing glimpses of your family life in addition to all your crafting. Your husband reminds me of mine; I just had to marry him when I realized he was both the nicest and the silliest man I'd ever met. We make each other laugh every single day. But we didn't meet as students, but very late in life. He's about to turn 76 and I'm turning 64 and we've been together for 10 years. All the best to you, and I hope your visit with your in-laws was fun and uneventful!
Completely agree with julierogers1155 - you turned a sideways incident that threw you for an adrenaline loop into a wonderfully heartfelt message we can all do with hearing! Especially at this time of year when we're scrambling for that perfect holiday. Thank you for mentioning it instead of just pretending it didn't effect your day. We all need to remember that behind every door on our block there are trials and tribulations along with the joys and decorations. Love to all your family💜
Before the incident portion of the vlog, I was going to say to you that you are overdoing things, working too hard. I know there is no choice, especially at Christmas which brings so much joy but so much extra work. And you are sick 😢😱. Ali, I am a huge admirer of you and your family. You and Dan are in all ways above ordinary people/parents and are raising two beautiful humans with your family values. I know it’s not easy and I truly admire your humour and human-ness, sharing your life, warts and all. Plus the grace you showed that poor woman and her family. I hope she gets the help she needs. There is no shame in having mental health issues. Thank God we can be open about many previous taboo subjects. All of the above is a very long winded way to say I love you even though I’ve never met you and I admire you hugely. Hugs to you and Dan. 🤗🥰❤️🇨🇦🧑🎄🤶
I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at the age of 17. I'm 41 now will be 42 on the 23 December. This year has been a hard yr. I really struggled with my health and that effectd my mental health. I have been on antidepressants since I was 17. It's so important to talk about it. I'm open about my struggles now as I want my children to know its ok to talk and it's ok not to be ok as long as we can work on it together. You're a very kind person ❤
Thank you for talking about mental health. With the passing of Roslyn Carter, I was reminded of her work with removing the stigma associated with mental health. The more we talk openly, the better.
Thankfully your neighbour will now get the help she really needs. I feel so sorry for this family that they haven't felt that they could talk about it. Mental health has such a stigma to it, we talk about any other illness but not always about mental health problems. Anyone who suffers with mental health problems please please reach out to someone and talk, please don't suffer alone. xxx
Bless you Ali. Mental health is a right shite thing. Yes we have to talk about it but we also have to learn to listen. It’s not good if we don’t listen. My son committed suicide a year ago, he had bipolar, we listened all we could but sometimes it’s not enough. Just take every day. Xx
I feel so strongly about mental health. We have a history of depression in our family, and I am not ashamed to admit that I have been taking antidepressants for many years. I sincerely hope that your neighbour will seek help.❤
I hope your neighbour is receiving help now. We never know what's going on behind closed doors. Even within our families sometimes. Thank you for staying calm and not making a crisis out of it.
So glad the chickeny gifts arrived! Had I been braver I would have made a dodgy bag out of the fabric for you! Your compassion for your neighbour is lovely, and a good reminder for all of us. 💕
I agree with other comments ... your vlog did not “go to pot”. You shared a mental health event which statistics show increase this time of year. Also that the family had tried to keep it behind closed doors. Hopefully your neighbour will now get the help she needs and her family the support too and knowledge that they are in a caring community ...and hope they feel they can now knock on a neighbours door and say I need some time out or a chat ...without stigma, judgement. Working in Disability, it is amazing how many people battle on alone. The lesson : Be kind to everyone ... you don’t always know what’s going on. And to those supporting someone ... please take time to be kind to yourself too. Or reach out for support for yourself. Hope your car window is quickly repaired. Your pizzas looked delicious. Best wishes to Lilia for her play. Truffles sound scrumptious Dan.
Ali, I sincerely hope the family discussed get the help and support they need and that you are OK. Thank you for discussing it. You are so right, we should be able to talk about mental health and seek help without stigma. Take care and have a lovely rest of the weekend xx
Thanks for sharing, it needs to be said that mental health has to be talked about. We all have struggles, and we should care about each other enough to help with understanding, and empathy. Getting help is important to move forward, and have a more positive, productive, and happy life!
You're right Ali, even in this modern age, stigma still surrounds mental health. I've struggled with anxiety for years and been on medication, but it's only recently that I've felt safe talking about it. Hope your neighbour gets the help & support she needs ❤
You are very right, it's important to be able to have frank discussions about mental health, even through it's hard and often has a social stigma attached. I'm glad no one was physically hurt and hope your neighbor can find treatment that is helpful for her.
I love your videos because you are real and truly authentic. This video was the purest example of that. Thank you for not sweeping it under the rug and pretending it didn't happen to create a beautiful vlog. Your vlogs are beautiful because they showcase how true and authentic you are. Your vlogs are a family vlog and how outstanding you all are! I am grateful you take the time to create amazing pure content for us all! ❤
Best vlog yet, Ali. We have accepted your kind invitation into your home for vlogmass and feel privileged for you to speak so candidly about mental health, especially your own. We all need suppirt of one sort or another at some point in our lives. Much love to you and yours xxx
I hope the family can get all the help they need. I found out this year how scary and frightening it is when a close family member reaches crisis point with their mental health, and it helps when there are people around you who do understand and can bestow all the kindness necessary. Unfortunately, we’ve had to deal with most of it behind closed doors whilst we endlessly wait for the right therapy, and I’ve personally found this experience very lonely. Your vlogs and podcasts throughout the year have helped me to keep going, so thank you 😊
Goodness that's a hard situation for you to witness, no wonder you felt discombobulated, it's impossible not to be affected when you are an empathetic, sensitive person. As you say, it's important to be able to be open about mental ill health, let's hope the family get some helpful intervention and support now there has been a crisis. I hope the rest of your weekend is quieter 💚
Ali, I think that you were the very best neighbour one could have. My thoughts go out to that poor woman and her family. Thank you, as well, for stressing the importance of free talk regarding mental health as it really is so important ❤
I was so happy to see you prioritise a relaxing bath for yourself after the curveball in your day. We all know Dans mum will want to see you all and not be at all worried about how tidy your house is 🥰 I agree mental health is an important subject to be open about, I hope your neighbour can get the help she needs.
Today's vlog was daily life. Daily life is not always neat, and crises happen. Usually at the worst possible time. My heart goes out to your neighbors. Sending her love and encouragement from across the pond.
Thank you for talking about mental health. I have PTSD and GAD. I take medication every day for it too. One of my ways of coping with things is knitting. It’s like I told my group one day: if I ever feel like I am rubbish, I can look to my knitting . Hugs to you and I’m glad she’s getting treatment. The most difficult thing is starting.
The more we talk about mental health and treat it like just another illness the better. If that lady had cancer people would be dropping off casseroles, ringing to check how she's going, helping out etc Thank you for talking about it on here today and for being so understanding about your car. Hopefully that family will now get the supports they need. And good to see you looking after yourself by taking a relaxing bath although Im not sure if Dans hoovering would have made it very relaxing!
Well said. We should all talk about mental health. Our son had a nervous breakdown when he was 15, he is now 25 but we have always been very open with everyone about what is wrong -with his permission xx
That poor lady going through something like that episode. This time of the year can be so stressful anyway so things perhaps came to a head! I’m so glad she is getting help now. Sorry you were involved and it’s obviously shaken you up. Hope a lovely bath helped you relax and that you enjoyed those lovely pizzas x
I just wanted to say thankyou Ali for speaking so compassionately about your neighbour’s mental health problems and I would certainly echo what you said. Mental illness is just that, an illness, how could anyone judge? We have it, and have had it, within our own family. Thankyou again. Xx
Really sorry to hear about your neighbour and I hope she gets some good help. You're absolutely right: it's SO important to talk about these things. I also take anti-anxiety medication daily, to help manage anxiety and depression, and wouldn't have got where I am at the moment without talking to friends, family and professionals about it all. Sending a virtual hug to you and your wonderful family
Sharing about mental health keeps the conversation and sparks conversation and understanding, so much respect to you on tackling this on your vlog when you could have easily not even mentioned it so thank you and hope your neighbours now feel less alone and able to open up more and get the help 🥰
Ali, thank you for taking time to share and speak about mental health. The more we share with one another, the more we can understand and relate. I too have found medication has helped me live a more balanced life. A low dose allows me to still feel, but not feel such extremes and stress in my body. Your vlogs and videos are absolutely the best…..I save them for those special moments. Many thanks to you and your beautiful family!
Thank you for sharing and high lighting how important it is to talk about mental health. Please take time to process what happened and look after yourself x x
Huge hugs. 3 of the 4 of us in the house have had serious mental health issues, it's very traumatic to witness as well as experience. I felt your emotion, and wanted to send a hug. I hope the family get the support they need xx
Yes no one likes to talk about Mental health your right it needs to be talk about! Pray the lady will get the help she needs and dose well! Have a lovel;y time with your mother in law and family!!! Take care God Bless hugs Liz x
Thank you for normalising mental health issues. I live with multiple sclerosis, for which I take medication, and I live with depression, for which I take medication. These are both medical conditions. If you wouldn't judge the first, then don't judge the second! My 10yo granddaughter was diagnosed with anxiety last year, and with support and daily medication, she got her life back. Mental health, dental health, physical health ... all part of the same package.
Thank you for sharing your story about mental health. I too struggle with bipolar disorder, ptsd and anxiety. It's so kind of you to let all of us know that there is no shame in getting help. Have a lovely holiday season and bless you for your kindness. Jackie
I am sorry to hear about your neighbour 😢 I hope you are okay too, that must have been very distressing to witness and then have to switch back to trying to prepare for family coming. Thank you for showing such empathy about mental health xx
My son in law needs his anti anxiety medication daily, it has made such a difference to his wellbeing, at home and at work. He and my son are so thankful for the friend who stepped forward and recommended he go to the doctor and request the medication.
Very sad to hear your neighbours feel they cannot speak about the mental health issues they are facing & through this have now only got assessed for HELP Hopefully the right medicine will kick in & help sending her a virtual hug 🫂 As you say a windscreen can be fixed soon ( eventually ) You are one very compassionate caring family GOOD NEIGHBOURS ❤️💙💕
Ali, thank you to you and all of your family for letting us into your lives with your vlogs. I’m a transplanted upstate New Yorker living in northwest Georgia. I love your honesty and joy. Your title says it all. I can’t knit more than a cotton dishcloth but I’m so glad I found the community of knitters across the world celebrating their Christmas preparations and daily lives. Merry Christmas and best wishes to you all for 2024!
I too struggle with mental health. Been on meds for 26 years now. I do remember when it was all hush, hush. Prayers for you and your neighbors ❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Hi Ali, I haven't commented for awhile. Am enjoying your vlogs and slowly catching up on them. I was very moved by what you shared re mental health, and how important it is to reach out to others and to not suffer in silence. Our family has been greatly impacted by mental health challengers, our daughter struggling since age 12, she is now 29. It has been a long journey and the isolation we felt was palpable. I am happy to say she has just finished studying in the UK for a three month period and she found it an incredibly healing and encouraging experience. Hope and wellness does come, not all at once, and often in tiny tiny increments. Thank-you so much for shining a little light on this, much love and peace to you and yours...💖
I agree with others here - your wonderful attitude and understanding towards someone with mental health issues is very meaningful and helpful - and your vlog definitely didn’t go to pot! That poor woman. Thank goodness her hidden problems are now going to be addressed. I really appreciated you saying that a windshield is easily fixed and while mental health problems can also be fixed, her road takes a lot longer. I’m sure a lot of your viewers share my thoughts of gratitude at this moment, both for the blessings I have, and the problems I don’t have.
Thank you for the trigger warning and even though I've been on my own mental health dip for the past few days, I still watched didn't I? I don't talk about it often but about 16 years ago I took a very serious attempt on my life and I very nearly didn't make it so I know exactly what it's like to get to the point where you feel like you can't go on. My current mental health dip is more anxiety related and I reached out to my bestie and my other half and while things haven't gone as smoothly as they might, I'm now in a slightly better place, I still need work on my current dip but that is ok. I recognise what is happening and I've learned a lot over the years so I'm confident I'm going in the right direction. I've opened up a little in the hope that if there is anyone struggling just now, it will give them the courage to say to someone that they need help. That is the hard part but once you say so, it really helps lift some of that weight. I'm always happy to chat if anyone wants to. If anyone is really badly struggling, just know you can go to A&E and get emergency help before it gets to the point that you try and hurt yourself. Love and light ❤
Napkins the other word serviettes I was told off once for calling paper ones napkins lol apparently napkins are made from fabric and serviettes are paper who knew lol. Green village looks great on your mantle sorry for the loss of your friend Nancy lovely and touching reminder to her
Thank you for a wonderful, honest segment on mental health! It runs in the genes of many of our families. Hiding it and feeling shame does not help anyone seek the help they need. You have helped more families than you could possibly know!❤ .
Lovely Vlog! Your Christmas decorations look beautiful. Some greenery or greenery and lights might look nice on your mantle. Happy Holidays to you and your family!❤️
Another really nice vlog. I hope that your neighbour will get all the help she needs. Mental health needs to be talked about more often. I love the new yarn, I may have to consider treating myself x
Just gone back to read this Ali. What a difficult thing for you to share. I wrote about not being a ‘ shuffler’ ( as in what you and your Mum call elderly people 🤭) a while back….. and I’ve been worried ever since as I don’t often leave messages. I felt I sounded rather blunt! Oh dear. Earlier this year, at just having turned 70, I’ve had an official diagnosis of high functioning autism. This has been quite difficult to get my head round but does in fact make sense of my life. Women are very good at masking problems ( well so are men too, I guess) but we must NOT hide away ….. we must ask for help. Keep up your good work Ali… you always make me smile! ( well maybe not today. ) xxx
So sorry for your neighbor but hopefully she will now get the help she needs. It's so important to talk about these things. Life isn't all sunshine and roses.
Love Dan's t-shirt, (Scouser here). The Xmas dec that you put up from Nancy is like having her with you this year. So sorry for what your neighbour and family are going through. At least now she'll get the help she needs and maybe the family will get some support. I agree that mental help should be talked about and maybe there would be less stigma, more understanding and education about this horrendous illness, (speaking from experience, like you I take medication). Take care and see you tomorrow. ❤
Love watching you dig out all your festive decorations, such a pleasure to feel part of it Ali. We have improved over the years in talking about our mental health, and the help that is available, but have so far to go. Have experienced my own major challenges, some with no help and others with invaluable help, I hope your neighbour gets all the help she needs to begin her recovery. Physical health problems you can see mostly but mental, emotional can be very much hidden until breaking point, thank you for sharing. See you tomorrow, Love& Hugs. Suze. 🎄🤗😘 xxx
Poor poor lady I really hope the family as a whole get the help they need and good that you are a caring and understanding neighbour - that could have ended quite differently, I hope you are ok, you were visibly upset but your recount of the incident was thoughtful and inspiring, Ali you did good, sending hugs xx
My mum could understand me having have mental health issues but not when my son began to suffer. My son and I work at the same supermarket before I’d clocked in the other day I was getting a call from another member of staff. My first reaction was “what does she want” but she was calling to tell me to get to my son asap. He broke down, like you Ali he suffers with SADs but his it at this time of year. We have both always been open about our mental health. This week is a big week for him he has his driving test and his birthday 🤞🏼
Oh ally im so sorry. Last august i received the l😅very nice gift of a smashed car window as happy Birthday gift. It was sad but even worse for the person that smashed it costly. We have cameras recording. So i feel your pain and stress. I am so sorry this happened to you ❤🙏🏽💜♥️ Very sorry for your poor neighbour, its really sad. Thank you for another vlogmas. 🎄💜🎅🏽♥️
This is why I feel your vlog is fabulous. Well said for bringing some light to mental health Ali. So pleased the lady is going to get help now. Also, well said for saying to the hubby to talk about it. ❤🎄
Maybe put the Christmas town on you mantle. MAYBE WE SHOULD PUT SOME SUMMERRY THINGS ON THE TREE TO SO WE BRING IN THE ..Sunshine also..just a thought when I saw that bag. TAKE CARE GET WELL..chicago ill.
Aw. So sad for that family. I do hope and pray that lady gets the help she needs and that it is effective. Hope you and your family enjoy the rest of your weekend. x
I’m on medication at the moment and getting help xxxx I hope her husband manages to get help xx I send my best wishes to the family you said about , and yes we should talk about it xxx
Ali, I am sorry about your windscreen. You are such a sweet person. I agree that mental health needs to be discussed and is nothing to be ashamed of. ♥
Thank you for sharing what had happened, and your thoughts and own part on it. This is what connects us, the many faces of our sufferings beeing shared, so we know we are not alone. I am sending lots of positive and hopefully healing thoughts for your neighbor, - may she receive good help, and that fast. Here in Germany it is nearly impossible to get a doctor or therapy-spot. Best wishes to you and your lovely gang. I am sure your decorating-blockage will disapear soon!! ❤
I suffer from terrible anxiety caused by my abusive next door neighbours, their behaviour is turning me into a recluse. If I don’t go out I won’t run the risk of them seeing me and shouting swear words at me 😢. I just want them to move away.
Saturday morning, my husband has gone off to his church men’s group and I use this for Me time; sip some Earl Grey, knit or crochet a bit, and catch up on yarn vlogs. Have a lovely Saturday
*Hello you lovely lot! Thanks so much for following along with my vlogmas* ❤
*Today was a festive day, but there’s a trigger warning for a short bit of mental health discussion towards the end after a very unusual incident on our street. We are all ok! I’ve popped a note on the screen with plenty of warning to skip it if needed x*
*Ali x*
✨
ALL respect for sharing about mental health, and the truth that it is helpful to "talk about your mental health". Thank you.
Interestingly enough, I do NOT feel like the "blog went to pot" ... instead you have made one of the most needed and loving vlog posts, in my opinion.
Again, thanks.
I think it's amazing how empathetic and understanding you are towards your neighbour and her family for what they are going through. Many people wouldn't be. There's so much stigma and misinformation about mental health and mental illness and many people think those of us who struggle with it are weak or mentally/morally inferior and the media only contributes to that assumption. When it actually takes a lot of strength to live with mental illness along with every other challenge most people have to deal with. I have pretty severe mental health issues myself, and most of the people around me are unfortunately not understanding. So it was really encouraging how much empathy you had towards the situation and how you modelled that for your viewers who might not have the context or information to process something like that happening. I view your vlogs as one of the ways I cope with some of the challenges I face, so I really appreciated seeing you talk about this in the way you did!
Ali, I've been watching your vlogs for about a year now but have never commented until now. Bless you for your loving kindness to your neighbor in her crisis. I so agree with you: Mental illness should not be any more stigmatized than having diabetes... it's a chemical imbalance, not a moral failing! I am sure her family will be greatly relieved now that she'll be getting the help she needs. And yes, it certainly wasn't what you or your viewers were expecting when you started your day, but that's real life, isn't it? I found your channel this time last year when I was looking for advent project recommendations, and I've been a pretty faithful viewer ever since. I really enjoy seeing glimpses of your family life in addition to all your crafting. Your husband reminds me of mine; I just had to marry him when I realized he was both the nicest and the silliest man I'd ever met. We make each other laugh every single day. But we didn't meet as students, but very late in life. He's about to turn 76 and I'm turning 64 and we've been together for 10 years. All the best to you, and I hope your visit with your in-laws was fun and uneventful!
Completely agree with julierogers1155 - you turned a sideways incident that threw you for an adrenaline loop into a wonderfully heartfelt message we can all do with hearing! Especially at this time of year when we're scrambling for that perfect holiday. Thank you for mentioning it instead of just pretending it didn't effect your day. We all need to remember that behind every door on our block there are trials and tribulations along with the joys and decorations. Love to all your family💜
I know it was a blessing for your neighbour to have that encounter with you, your understanding and support.
Before the incident portion of the vlog, I was going to say to you that you are overdoing things, working too hard. I know there is no choice, especially at Christmas which brings so much joy but so much extra work. And you are sick 😢😱. Ali, I am a huge admirer of you and your family. You and Dan are in all ways above ordinary people/parents and are raising two beautiful humans with your family values. I know it’s not easy and I truly admire your humour and human-ness, sharing your life, warts and all. Plus the grace you showed that poor woman and her family. I hope she gets the help she needs. There is no shame in having mental health issues. Thank God we can be open about many previous taboo subjects. All of the above is a very long winded way to say I love you even though I’ve never met you and I admire you hugely. Hugs to you and Dan. 🤗🥰❤️🇨🇦🧑🎄🤶
I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at the age of 17. I'm 41 now will be 42 on the 23 December. This year has been a hard yr. I really struggled with my health and that effectd my mental health. I have been on antidepressants since I was 17. It's so important to talk about it. I'm open about my struggles now as I want my children to know its ok to talk and it's ok not to be ok as long as we can work on it together. You're a very kind person ❤
Thank you for talking about mental health. With the passing of Roslyn Carter, I was reminded of her work with removing the stigma associated with mental health. The more we talk openly, the better.
Thankfully your neighbour will now get the help she really needs. I feel so sorry for this family that they haven't felt that they could talk about it. Mental health has such a stigma to it, we talk about any other illness but not always about mental health problems. Anyone who suffers with mental health problems please please reach out to someone and talk, please don't suffer alone. xxx
Bless you Ali. Mental health is a right shite thing. Yes we have to talk about it but we also have to learn to listen. It’s not good if we don’t listen. My son committed suicide a year ago, he had bipolar, we listened all we could but sometimes it’s not enough. Just take every day. Xx
So very glad you encouraged people to talk about mental illness. I often think that there should be a better name for it. It's everywhere.
I feel so strongly about mental health. We have a history of depression in our family, and I am not ashamed to admit that I have been taking antidepressants for many years.
I sincerely hope that your neighbour will seek help.❤
I hope your neighbour is receiving help now. We never know what's going on behind closed doors. Even within our families sometimes. Thank you for staying calm and not making a crisis out of it.
So glad the chickeny gifts arrived! Had I been braver I would have made a dodgy bag out of the fabric for you!
Your compassion for your neighbour is lovely, and a good reminder for all of us. 💕
I agree with other comments ... your vlog did not “go to pot”. You shared a mental health event which statistics show increase this time of year. Also that the family had tried to keep it behind closed doors. Hopefully your neighbour will now get the help she needs and her family the support too and knowledge that they are in a caring community ...and hope they feel they can now knock on a neighbours door and say I need some time out or a chat ...without stigma, judgement.
Working in Disability, it is amazing how many people battle on alone.
The lesson : Be kind to everyone ... you don’t always know what’s going on.
And to those supporting someone ... please take time to be kind to yourself too. Or reach out for support for yourself.
Hope your car window is quickly repaired.
Your pizzas looked delicious.
Best wishes to Lilia for her play.
Truffles sound scrumptious Dan.
Ali, I sincerely hope the family discussed get the help and support they need and that you are OK. Thank you for discussing it. You are so right, we should be able to talk about mental health and seek help without stigma. Take care and have a lovely rest of the weekend xx
Thanks for sharing, it needs to be said that mental health has to be talked about. We all have struggles, and we should care about each other enough to help with understanding, and empathy. Getting help is important to move forward, and have a more positive, productive, and happy life!
You're right Ali, even in this modern age, stigma still surrounds mental health. I've struggled with anxiety for years and been on medication, but it's only recently that I've felt safe talking about it. Hope your neighbour gets the help & support she needs ❤
You are very right, it's important to be able to have frank discussions about mental health, even through it's hard and often has a social stigma attached. I'm glad no one was physically hurt and hope your neighbor can find treatment that is helpful for her.
I love your videos because you are real and truly authentic. This video was the purest example of that. Thank you for not sweeping it under the rug and pretending it didn't happen to create a beautiful vlog. Your vlogs are beautiful because they showcase how true and authentic you are. Your vlogs are a family vlog and how outstanding you all are! I am grateful you take the time to create amazing pure content for us all! ❤
Best vlog yet, Ali. We have accepted your kind invitation into your home for vlogmass and feel privileged for you to speak so candidly about mental health, especially your own. We all need suppirt of one sort or another at some point in our lives. Much love to you and yours xxx
I hope the family can get all the help they need. I found out this year how scary and frightening it is when a close family member reaches crisis point with their mental health, and it helps when there are people around you who do understand and can bestow all the kindness necessary. Unfortunately, we’ve had to deal with most of it behind closed doors whilst we endlessly wait for the right therapy, and I’ve personally found this experience very lonely. Your vlogs and podcasts throughout the year have helped me to keep going, so thank you 😊
Goodness that's a hard situation for you to witness, no wonder you felt discombobulated, it's impossible not to be affected when you are an empathetic, sensitive person. As you say, it's important to be able to be open about mental ill health, let's hope the family get some helpful intervention and support now there has been a crisis. I hope the rest of your weekend is quieter 💚
Ali, I think that you were the very best neighbour one could have. My thoughts go out to that poor woman and her family. Thank you, as well, for stressing the importance of free talk regarding mental health as it really is so important ❤
Thank you for sharing and showing feelings when you probably felt quite shaken and vulnerable
I was so happy to see you prioritise a relaxing bath for yourself after the curveball in your day. We all know Dans mum will want to see you all and not be at all worried about how tidy your house is 🥰
I agree mental health is an important subject to be open about, I hope your neighbour can get the help she needs.
I hope the family mentioned get all the help and support they can.
Today's vlog was daily life. Daily life is not always neat, and crises happen. Usually at the worst possible time. My heart goes out to your neighbors. Sending her love and encouragement from across the pond.
Thank you for talking about mental health. I have PTSD and GAD. I take medication every day for it too. One of my ways of coping with things is knitting. It’s like I told my group one day: if I ever feel like I am rubbish, I can look to my knitting . Hugs to you and I’m glad she’s getting treatment. The most difficult thing is starting.
The more we talk about mental health and treat it like just another illness the better. If that lady had cancer people would be dropping off casseroles, ringing to check how she's going, helping out etc Thank you for talking about it on here today and for being so understanding about your car. Hopefully that family will now get the supports they need. And good to see you looking after yourself by taking a relaxing bath although Im not sure if Dans hoovering would have made it very relaxing!
Well said. We should all talk about mental health. Our son had a nervous breakdown when he was 15, he is now 25 but we have always been very open with everyone about what is wrong -with his permission xx
That poor lady going through something like that episode. This time of the year can be so stressful anyway so things perhaps came to a head! I’m so glad she is getting help now. Sorry you were involved and it’s obviously shaken you up. Hope a lovely bath helped you relax and that you enjoyed those lovely pizzas x
I just wanted to say thankyou Ali for speaking so compassionately about your neighbour’s mental health problems and I would certainly echo what you said. Mental illness is just that, an illness, how could anyone judge? We have it, and have had it, within our own family. Thankyou again. Xx
Really sorry to hear about your neighbour and I hope she gets some good help. You're absolutely right: it's SO important to talk about these things. I also take anti-anxiety medication daily, to help manage anxiety and depression, and wouldn't have got where I am at the moment without talking to friends, family and professionals about it all. Sending a virtual hug to you and your wonderful family
Sharing about mental health keeps the conversation and sparks conversation and understanding, so much respect to you on tackling this on your vlog when you could have easily not even mentioned it so thank you and hope your neighbours now feel less alone and able to open up more and get the help 🥰
Oh my that chicken fabric!!! 😍😍
Ali, thank you for taking time to share and speak about mental health. The more we share with one another, the more we can understand and relate. I too have found medication has helped me live a more balanced life. A low dose allows me to still feel, but not feel such extremes and stress in my body. Your vlogs and videos are absolutely the best…..I save them for those special moments. Many thanks to you and your beautiful family!
Thank you for sharing and high lighting how important it is to talk about mental health. Please take time to process what happened and look after yourself x x
Huge hugs. 3 of the 4 of us in the house have had serious mental health issues, it's very traumatic to witness as well as experience. I felt your emotion, and wanted to send a hug. I hope the family get the support they need xx
Yes no one likes to talk about Mental health your right it needs to be talk about! Pray the lady will get the help she needs and dose well! Have a lovel;y time with your mother in law and family!!! Take care God Bless hugs Liz x
Thank you for normalising mental health issues. I live with multiple sclerosis, for which I take medication, and I live with depression, for which I take medication. These are both medical conditions. If you wouldn't judge the first, then don't judge the second!
My 10yo granddaughter was diagnosed with anxiety last year, and with support and daily medication, she got her life back. Mental health, dental health, physical health ... all part of the same package.
Thank you for sharing your story about mental health. I too struggle with bipolar disorder, ptsd and anxiety. It's so kind of you to let all of us know that there is no shame in getting help. Have a lovely holiday season and bless you for your kindness. Jackie
I am sorry to hear about your neighbour 😢 I hope you are okay too, that must have been very distressing to witness and then have to switch back to trying to prepare for family coming. Thank you for showing such empathy about mental health xx
My son in law needs his anti anxiety medication daily, it has made such a difference to his wellbeing, at home and at work. He and my son are so thankful for the friend who stepped forward and recommended he go to the doctor and request the medication.
You are a very kind and helpful person and I’m sure you have helped your neighbour to get the help that is needed 😊
What a rough ending to your day. Taking care of our mental health is vital and your reminder is spot on.
I have taken anxiety medication before as well. I am better now and I am grateful.
Very sad to hear your neighbours feel they cannot speak about the mental health issues they are facing & through this have now only got assessed for HELP
Hopefully the right medicine will kick in & help sending her a virtual hug 🫂
As you say a windscreen can be fixed soon ( eventually )
You are one very compassionate caring family GOOD NEIGHBOURS ❤️💙💕
Ali, thank you to you and all of your family for letting us into your lives with your vlogs. I’m a transplanted upstate New Yorker living in northwest Georgia. I love your honesty and joy. Your title says it all. I can’t knit more than a cotton dishcloth but I’m so glad I found the community of knitters across the world celebrating their Christmas preparations and daily lives. Merry Christmas and best wishes to you all for 2024!
Knitting dishcloths is indeed a skill. Welcome to the knitting community ❤❤❤
I would love you as my neighbour I hope you have a happy time with your family this weekend ❤
I too struggle with mental health. Been on meds for 26 years now. I do remember when it was all hush, hush. Prayers for you and your neighbors ❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Hi Ali, I haven't commented for awhile. Am enjoying your vlogs and slowly catching up on them. I was very moved by what you shared re mental health, and how important it is to reach out to others and to not suffer in silence. Our family has been greatly impacted by mental health challengers, our daughter struggling since age 12, she is now 29. It has been a long journey and the isolation we felt was palpable. I am happy to say she has just finished studying in the UK for a three month period and she found it an incredibly healing and encouraging experience. Hope and wellness does come, not all at once, and often in tiny tiny increments. Thank-you so much for shining a little light on this, much love and peace to you and yours...💖
Thanks for sharing and talk about mental health xx
Thank you! THANK YOU!!!❤❤❤ for sharing and for being you🤗❤️
I agree with others here - your wonderful attitude and understanding towards someone with mental health issues is very meaningful and helpful - and your vlog definitely didn’t go to pot! That poor woman. Thank goodness her hidden problems are now going to be addressed. I really appreciated you saying that a windshield is easily fixed and while mental health problems can also be fixed, her road takes a lot longer. I’m sure a lot of your viewers share my thoughts of gratitude at this moment, both for the blessings I have, and the problems I don’t have.
Thank you for sharing. I wish you peace.
Thank you for the trigger warning and even though I've been on my own mental health dip for the past few days, I still watched didn't I? I don't talk about it often but about 16 years ago I took a very serious attempt on my life and I very nearly didn't make it so I know exactly what it's like to get to the point where you feel like you can't go on. My current mental health dip is more anxiety related and I reached out to my bestie and my other half and while things haven't gone as smoothly as they might, I'm now in a slightly better place, I still need work on my current dip but that is ok. I recognise what is happening and I've learned a lot over the years so I'm confident I'm going in the right direction. I've opened up a little in the hope that if there is anyone struggling just now, it will give them the courage to say to someone that they need help. That is the hard part but once you say so, it really helps lift some of that weight. I'm always happy to chat if anyone wants to. If anyone is really badly struggling, just know you can go to A&E and get emergency help before it gets to the point that you try and hurt yourself. Love and light ❤
Love your honesty well done
Napkins the other word serviettes I was told off once for calling paper ones napkins lol apparently napkins are made from fabric and serviettes are paper who knew lol. Green village looks great on your mantle sorry for the loss of your friend Nancy lovely and touching reminder to her
Bless you for your kind tender spirit. ❤
Thank you for your talk about mental health Ali!
Thank you for a wonderful, honest segment on mental health! It runs in the genes of many of our families. Hiding it and feeling shame does not help anyone seek the help they need. You have helped more families than you could possibly know!❤
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I hope you're okay, sending you a massive hug!
A garland of greens would be lovely across your mantle. ❤️🧶❤️
Agreed! Some greens (real or faux) wandering through all the lovely knick-knacks would be lovely!
Lovely Vlog! Your Christmas decorations look beautiful. Some greenery or greenery and lights might look nice on your mantle. Happy Holidays to you and your family!❤️
It touches so many families, ours included. Thank you for talking about it and expressing the need for more open discussion and acceptance. 🥰
Another really nice vlog. I hope that your neighbour will get all the help she needs. Mental health needs to be talked about more often. I love the new yarn, I may have to consider treating myself x
Just gone back to read this Ali. What a difficult thing for you to share.
I wrote about not being a ‘ shuffler’ ( as in what you and your Mum call elderly people 🤭) a while back….. and I’ve been worried ever since as I don’t often leave messages. I felt I sounded rather blunt! Oh dear.
Earlier this year, at just having turned 70, I’ve had an official diagnosis of high functioning autism. This has been quite difficult to get my head round but does in fact make sense of my life.
Women are very good at masking problems ( well so are men too, I guess) but we must NOT hide away ….. we must ask for help.
Keep up your good work Ali… you always make me smile! ( well maybe not today. ) xxx
So sorry for your neighbor but hopefully she will now get the help she needs. It's so important to talk about these things. Life isn't all sunshine and roses.
Love Dan's t-shirt, (Scouser here). The Xmas dec that you put up from Nancy is like having her with you this year. So sorry for what your neighbour and family are going through. At least now she'll get the help she needs and maybe the family will get some support. I agree that mental help should be talked about and maybe there would be less stigma, more understanding and education about this horrendous illness, (speaking from experience, like you I take medication). Take care and see you tomorrow. ❤
What a sad bit about your neighbour’s mental health issue. Sad that they feel shame.
Thank you for being so kind and understanding.
Love to see another dress and some bags. Lol
I am so sorry to hear that , about your neighbor . My prayers are with them ❤
Love watching you dig out all your festive decorations, such a pleasure to feel part of it Ali. We have improved over the years in talking about our mental health, and the help that is available, but have so far to go. Have experienced my own major challenges, some with no help and others with invaluable help, I hope your neighbour gets all the help she needs to begin her recovery. Physical health problems you can see mostly but mental, emotional can be very much hidden until breaking point, thank you for sharing. See you tomorrow, Love& Hugs. Suze. 🎄🤗😘 xxx
Poor poor lady I really hope the family as a whole get the help they need and good that you are a caring and understanding neighbour - that could have ended quite differently, I hope you are ok, you were visibly upset but your recount of the incident was thoughtful and inspiring, Ali you did good, sending hugs xx
My mum could understand me having have mental health issues but not when my son began to suffer. My son and I work at the same supermarket before I’d clocked in the other day I was getting a call from another member of staff. My first reaction was “what does she want” but she was calling to tell me to get to my son asap. He broke down, like you Ali he suffers with SADs but his it at this time of year. We have both always been open about our mental health. This week is a big week for him he has his driving test and his birthday 🤞🏼
Oh ally im so sorry. Last august i received the l😅very nice gift of a smashed car window as happy Birthday gift. It was sad but even worse for the person that smashed it costly. We have cameras recording. So i feel your pain and stress. I am so sorry this happened to you ❤🙏🏽💜♥️ Very sorry for your poor neighbour, its really sad.
Thank you for another vlogmas. 🎄💜🎅🏽♥️
I like Dan’s interpretation of the vlog route… 🙂
Yes me too my life’s a bit like that at the moment lol
Maintaining mental health - so important - your decor looks lovely 👍☕🍞🍖💕
This is why I feel your vlog is fabulous. Well said for bringing some light to mental health Ali. So pleased the lady is going to get help now. Also, well said for saying to the hubby to talk about it. ❤🎄
Thank you for sharing and talking about mental health ❤❤❤
You need a mantle Garland Ali Trees looking great
Sending hugs your way….❤❤❤
The new Christmas Tree is beautiful! Take comfort by it enjoying some rest and cozy time. Take care!
Maybe put the Christmas town on you mantle. MAYBE WE SHOULD PUT SOME SUMMERRY THINGS ON THE TREE TO SO WE BRING IN THE ..Sunshine also..just a thought when I saw that bag. TAKE CARE GET WELL..chicago ill.
Aw. So sad for that family. I do hope and pray that lady gets the help she needs and that it is effective. Hope you and your family enjoy the rest of your weekend. x
I’m on medication at the moment and getting help xxxx I hope her husband manages to get help xx I send my best wishes to the family you said about , and yes we should talk about it xxx
Ali, I am sorry about your windscreen. You are such a sweet person. I agree that mental health needs to be discussed and is nothing to be ashamed of. ♥
Thankyou Ali we all need to talk about mental health ❤❤
Thank you for this vlog. Yes we so need to share and talk about our mental health. And to listen and support if and where we can. There is no shame. 🎉
Just breathe Ali long deep breaths ❤
We're allowed to be frazzled, we are only human.
Sending lots of love to you and your whole street. Thank you for the mental health trigger warning, that was most helpful x
Simply love you, Ali
Thank you for sharing what had happened, and your thoughts and own part on it. This is what connects us, the many faces of our sufferings beeing shared, so we know we are not alone. I am sending lots of positive and hopefully healing thoughts for your neighbor, - may she receive good help, and that fast. Here in Germany it is nearly impossible to get a doctor or therapy-spot. Best wishes to you and your lovely gang. I am sure your decorating-blockage will disapear soon!! ❤
I suffer from terrible anxiety caused by my abusive next door neighbours, their behaviour is turning me into a recluse. If I don’t go out I won’t run the risk of them seeing me and shouting swear words at me 😢. I just want them to move away.
Saturday morning, my husband has gone off to his church men’s group and I use this for Me time; sip some Earl Grey, knit or crochet a bit, and catch up on yarn vlogs. Have a lovely Saturday
Just lots of ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
❤️
My Mom passed in 2018 as well. Still very hard at the holidays.