About me
I am a 27-year-old freelance journalist with a bipolar illness. I feel particuarly passionate about raising people’s awareness and acceptance of mental illness, giving people something to giggle about and living life to the full. I am lucky enough to have a supportive family, wonderful friends and a boyfriend whom I am rather taken with.
This year I will be continuing to raise awareness of mental health issues with a particular focus on reducing suicide rates.
I will be wearing a total of 208 shoes, two different pairs a week. Shoes that are donated along with many of my own will be sold at the end of the year to raise money for Mind and Bipolar UK .
The topic of posts will be similar to my 2010 Project when I wore a different dress every day to raise money for Mind and the Brandon Unit, a mental health care facility in Leicestershire.
I will be posting pictures of the shoes at the beginning of each week and further pictures throughout the week as before.
I am aware the aim is ambitious, and that the project will have its difficulties but I am determined. We need to help ‘stomp out suicide’ and we need to do it now.
Also expect contributions from guest bloggers who are all really rather good at what they do and what they write.
fang87 said,
February 17, 2010 at 11:42 am
Nice blog and really awesome way to bring about awareness! I didn’t have any idea what the bit about dresses was about…now I know
Can I add your blog’s link on my blog ‘The Silver Ribbon’?
By the way, I’m in awe just looking at all the categories on here!! There’s so many!!!!
lostinnotation said,
February 19, 2010 at 11:06 am
Hello add away. Yes I think people are slightly surprised when they come across it to find hundreds of images,
I love the categories, its really funny because it means I get the most random traffic from searches like “Ryanair suck” and what to pack when you are travelling lightly.
Did any of your followers ever come back about dresses by the way.
Thanks for checking it out,
Ellie x x x
Debra Walden said,
March 3, 2010 at 10:13 am
Hi Ellie,
I saw your article in the Harb mail. I’m from a group called Harborough & District mind. We are only a small charity organisation but would love to get involved if we can.
We meet at The Congregational Hall on Thursdays 2 – 4pm & Mondays 6 – 8pm. Mondays are abit slow at the moment because of the dark evenings. Thursdays we have around 20 people attend.
You are more than welcome to join us anytime.
We would love to see you.
Regards,
Debra
lostinnotation said,
March 5, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Hi Debra,
Thanks so much for getting in touch. I’ll be up in Manchester this Monday but will come down on Thursday next week.
Thanks for inviting me, see you soon.
Best wishes
Ellie
Debra Walden said,
September 22, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Hi Ellie,
Just wanted to let you know of an event i’m organising. It is about world mental health day on October 8th at The Harb Theatre. It would be nice if you could join us. Let me know and i can give some more info.
Debra
07788180490
lostinnotation said,
October 8, 2010 at 7:44 am
Hi Debra
Give me a call that sounds brilliant. My number is 07926 959076 would love to hear more about it and should hopefully be able to come along, what time is it at? Relieved that I got the message as I have only just started to get on top of my emails.
Thanks Debra, Ellie
James said,
March 3, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Hi Ellie,
I am moving to Market Harborough and I saw your article in the Harborough Mail whilst checking out possible places to live.
I was diagnosed as schizophrenic about 6 years ago whilst at uni and, after several different types of medicine and a total of two years in hospital I now lead a (fairly) happy and active life.
I really admire what you’re doing and, although I do not have any dresses to donate (!), I will keep reading your blog!
Best wishes
James
lostinnotation said,
March 8, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Hello I’m really glad you came across it. When do you move to Harborough. There are quite a few support groups in the area and there are loads of things going on in the town socially so hopefully you will be happy here. In the comment below Debra Walden gives some details about one group which may be of interest.
Thanks for reading the blog and your kind comments it means a lot and it is great to hear that you too got sorted out once they found the right medicine.
Best wishes
Ellie
PS Also very pleased that you saw the article, I secretly still get excited when I see my name in print, journalist mentality is hard to shake even when you our out of work/ freelance
C.Greaves said,
March 10, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Simon, Helen and I were interested to read your article in The Mail and Helen and I would like to help you out with a dress if we can. What size do you need?
Best wishes,
Christine Greaves and family
xxx
lostinnotation said,
March 10, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Hello, that’s very kind of you. I could do with size 10 or 12, I can always belt them if they are too big and take less breaths if they are too small. Hope you are all well, Ellie x x x
James said,
March 19, 2010 at 10:23 am
Hi Ellie!
I’m still enjoying your blog and as soon as I’ve got my finances sorted out I’ll buy you a couple of dresses and take them to the Mind meeting (which Debra mentioned) which is really enjoyable and very positive. I suppose the good people of Market Harborough will think I’m a trasvestite with a penchant for tight dresses!
There is one unexpected benefit to the blog too. Sometimes I “mis-see” people, that is, I look at a stranger and I’m convinced I know them (this happens to everyone, but it happens a lot more often to me). Whilst I am wandering round Market Harborough I sometimes think I’ve seen you but the fact that I know you’ll be wearing a dress rules out a lot of people!
Keep up the good work.
Best wishes
James
lostinnotation said,
March 19, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Oh good, I am glad. I had wondered where you had gone too, thought you had stopped reading. I am gutted I haven’t been able to make a meeting yet, but I will be coming to the one in the evening next Monday. I am away on hols at the moment so will miss the next couple. Is there usually many people at the Monday one.
really glad your enjoying the blog albeit slightly cross that I have so many doppelgänger walking about the place. thank you for the kind offer of the dresses iit would be very kind but please don’t spend too much, Harborough’s charity shops, particularly Age Concern opposite the library always have lovely finds for just a few pounds.
Take care, look forwards to meeting you soon,
Best wishes
Ellie
James said,
March 25, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Hi!
I got you some clothes from Market Harborough but was disturbed to find that I had bought skirts rather than dresses. I’ve arranged for them to get to Debra, and (hopefully) from Debra to you!
If they’re no good just give them away, or perhaps cut them into stylish household rags!
Best wishes
James
lostinnotation said,
March 26, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Oh no can you not return them. That’s very kind of you. Thank you, hope to see you on Monday, ellie
James said,
March 29, 2010 at 10:26 am
Hi Ellie,
I hope you feel better soon; I’ve been known to have the odd off-day myself, in fact, now I think of it, I’ve had some off-weeks!
I won’t be at the mind group this week as I’m going out with a friend tonight and thursday is the day I’m moving to Market Harborough, but hopefully I’ll see you at some point!
Take care!
James
Louise said,
April 26, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Remarkable. Quite remarkable.
James said,
May 29, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Hi Ellie,
Don’t apologise for not updating the blog; it’s not as if you chose to have problems! I think I might have seen you in Tescos this morning (saturday) but, as usual, I didn’t have the guts to approach the person I saw!
I’ve started going out with a girl from Brixworth and yesterday she made me a delicious dinner. That’s the good news. The bad news is she’s coming over to Market Harborough on monday and expecting me to make an even better dinner! I am feeling the pressure already and I tell you this in order to make the point that feeling crap is totally normal and, when you’re not well, small problems seem big. I do hope this doesn’t seem patronising!
Anyway, hope you feel better soon, and well done on getting a front page in the mail!
Best wishes
James
Anna Sagona said,
June 15, 2010 at 9:32 am
Hello Ellie
How slow am I?????? I’ve been reading your blog this morning and only just realised who you are – it’s been a long time since the St Jo’s ‘school run’…..
I missed your Front Page but have enjoyed reading through your blog – a true breath of fresh air – original and frank with a bittersweet touch. I look forward to reading more …
I may have a dress or two that you might like to borrow for the cause? Let me know if you’re interested
Meanwhile, say Hi to your mum and dad from me and …… oh yes, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing’ !!!
Love,
Anna x
doyourememberthattime said,
June 21, 2010 at 3:50 pm
really enjoying your blog. a cool find.
http://doyourememberthattime.wordpress.com
lostinnotation said,
June 21, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Thank you, rather like yours too. Nice to see a poetry blog. Personally I’m pretty dreadful with the poetry though I do occasionally challenge myself to get as many rhymes in an article as possible, harder than it might sound. Take care x
MummyTips said,
August 10, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Just come across your blog. I live in Harb and have suffered from sever PND in the past. You may like to read my story http://www.mummy-tips.com/2009/11/me.html
xx
joe blog said,
September 16, 2010 at 4:39 am
dear ellie,
you’re cute. like, really cute. i could look at your photos for hours. especially those you’re wearing a flowery dress in. but all this text kinda gets in the way…
James said,
October 13, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Hi Ellie.
I was sorry to hear about your incarceration (is that the correct spelling?), although it rung several bells in my head. I have also experienced mental hospitals so I can relate to what you’re saying.
I don’t know if I can give you any useful advice. Last time I was in I spent a lot of time writing and at one point got the parents to bring me a recorder and manuscript paper so I could write some music. It is telling that when I mention to people the total length of time I’ve been in hospitals I sometimes accidentally say ‘prison’!
I hope you get out before too long, although obviously that won’t mean an end to all your problems (though you will probably feel better). Anyway, hold on to the fact that there are people in this world who care for you, and will do anything they can to help you.
Take care,
James
Adam Holden Rosenberg said,
November 18, 2010 at 7:26 am
I stumbled onto your blog 2:30am here in Philadelphia; way to go lady. I’m working on a new series of paintings; when I’m doing this i usually search google images to stimulate ideas etc. A picture of you came up when I searched the words “tears of sadness” Your story I know all too well, and now I think I have a new subject matter to explore. Thanks, be well.
2010 in review « Lost in notation blog said,
January 2, 2011 at 9:51 am
[...] About me December 200924 comments 3 [...]
Damond Nichols said,
January 17, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Hi lostinnotation my father was a publishing magnet. I am no journalist or depressed person, don’t be jealous. I just wanted to say it’s good that you like to help people. I wish you all the best. Jolly
Michael Callan said,
February 12, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Hi,
I can’t seem to find your first name on the site so apologies for not finding it if it’s there. I like photography and found your site doing a search for photos of the ‘Yesterday’s Men’ single by Madness, How mad is that? I think when that song came out I realized I had quite depressive tendencies. I haven’t had any treatment for it. I just wanted to say hello as I love your photos. You are beautiful
Michael
Jeff said,
February 12, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Hey thanks for your postings, loved the pictures. Have a wonderful day!
Joshua said,
March 16, 2011 at 12:49 am
Hi, I just found you and quickly -just to let you know..sofar so good, now gonna check out who you are, like, anyway-love, josh(an anonymous admirer from holland.x
Gary said,
April 19, 2011 at 4:10 am
Found this blog after doing a search on Google images for “Bi-level home 70s”.
Dewi said,
August 25, 2011 at 1:06 pm
I loved reading your blog, looking at your smiling pictures and your dresses are fabulous and amazing as are you, I wish you a long and happy peaceful life………..x
maxine said,
November 10, 2011 at 8:16 am
hi Ellie, It was only reading the sun today that i read about you ad your ineresting account of Bi-Polar. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Borderline personalility disorder. It is similar but not Bp,even some doctors find it hard to diagnose which has caused problems with meds. I wonder if you have heard of it, or your followers. Thank you.
lostinnotation said,
November 25, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Hi, sorry for the late reply. We have been moving house and I think with all the stress I zoomed into a bit of a high. I do know some things about Borderline personality disorder but not as much as I would like to. Would you be interested in perhaps doing a guest post about what it is like living with it. Completely understand if not but it would be nice to raise a bit more awareness about it. How long was it before you were properly diagnosed and are you doing better now that you have been? Thanks for getting in touch, Ellie
STBJJ said,
November 10, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Hi There
I was really moved to read about this as I suffer and still do quite badly from episodes despite taking 2 different medications (fluoxetine 60mg and Lithium Priadel 1gm) and am wondering quite where to go next with things. I am not sure if i need re assessing or not and have tried CBT but when the bad times come i close myself off from it. I am not sure if you contact people but if you do then please drop me an email as I would like to ask a couple of things which I am not wanting to do so in public. I have left my work address to show this is genuine.
lostinnotation said,
November 25, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Hi Stewart,
I’m sorry to hear that you are struggling. If you want to email me the questions hopefully I will be able to help. The best email address would be ellie_lenor@hotmail.com. Sorry for the late reply I have been going through a bit of a high period the last few weeks and though I think I am super productive I seem to get nothing done. Look forward to hearing from you and hope I can be of some use. Best wishes, Ellie
emma said,
November 10, 2011 at 8:39 pm
borderline type b? Ive never heard it described this way. Only type 1 and 2 and the cycling types
emma said,
November 10, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Just to edit and add Im the same age as you and only had one high (type 1) been in remission a long time over 3 yrs now and hope to carry on life like this. Yes meds are tough, and looks like its going to be long road to getting off lithium! (I read that part you wrote about it dumming emotions) Really brave of you to do this, I think stigma is still big and I dont tell people I have this, only those really close know. Its good you have such a confidence to share this so hope it goes to help showing we can get with life normally.
lostinnotation said,
November 25, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Thanks for getting in touch. I think that was how it was described to me when I was diagnosed but since I started the blog I have been upgraded to straight up bipolar one after I had a pretty severe manic episode in September last year which resulted in me having to spend time in hospital. It is good to hear that you have managed to keep well for so long. I have been considering lithium as although i do get the highs it is the lows that are literally killing me and I feel as though I should give it a chance. Has it worked well for you generally? Best wishes, Ellie
emma said,
December 4, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Lithium has been fine, Ive had no relapse only minor dips for a few days but nothing I would call clinical depression! The doctors always describe me as in remission now. I dont get any bipolar highs. My episode was pretty severe too, ending up needing some ect. I sometimes feel how can I be bipolar? As I dont get the highs or severe depression (My episode happened after being on an SSRI for a while) It took me a long time to get better so I work on staying well and healthy. Lithium is just a blood test once every three months, Im on the minimum possible dose too but do get the occassional what I call “cloudy head” where I find it hard to make decisions! It will still be a struggle as when I plan kids you cant be on lithium, you can have birth defects so thats going to be a difficult stage in the future changing meds or whatever. All the best to you
Aldina santos said,
November 10, 2011 at 10:37 pm
Hi Ellie,
I saw your article in the sun today about Bipolar-disorder. I was diagnosed as a suffer of B-disorder seven years ago.
Bipolar- disorder is treatable with a combination of medication and psycoterapy.
Managing the illness is the key for a normal life.Be strong.
I trust all is well with you
Aldina
lostinnotation said,
November 25, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Thank you Aldina. I am hopefully starting something called Mindfulness based CBT soon and I am hoping that with medication and that combined I can stay well, out of hospital and avoid severe relapses and swings in my mood. Thanks for your encouragement. Best wishes, Ellie
Mr Keep Calm said,
November 30, 2011 at 10:00 am
Just found your stuff from looking for images for my Christmas songs. Read a little and I like your blog. Don’t really know what else to say except i hope you find happiness!
Lost In Notation – Stomping Out Suicide, the shoe project « Lost in notation blog said,
January 1, 2012 at 10:02 pm
[...] PagesAbout me [...]
scott said,
February 4, 2012 at 5:35 am
Hi, Just looking around and came across your blog, I really have enjoyed your entries great reading. I also love your dress sense, for me being a guy this might sound a bit strange, but i really hope any future girl i might meet will dress like you.
lostinnotation said,
February 4, 2012 at 7:33 am
Thanks Scott that’s very kind and glad you’re enjoying the blog.
emma said,
April 16, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Came on and saw you have not posted since Feb- hope you are doing alright and be posting again
Mary Lou said,
June 29, 2012 at 5:23 am
Ellie, Last saw an entry from you in early June. I hope you’re doing OK, but it sounded like you might not be. You had changed meds & were worried about taking so many & if they would work. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I about the time you were born. I can’t say it’s been easy…that would be a lie. I can say that you can do things that help. I know you have supportive family & friends. You are both bright & busy. I have a massive warning about being TOO busy…it only looks good at the beginning. You know that depression is beyond destructive.
I only meant to check in & say hi, but my concern overtook me. Truly hope to see you soon.