How I increased my independence and the benefits of being independent

The benefits of being independent

Independence can improve your mental health. It can help self-confidence, resilience & decision-making. As well as give you more freedom, which can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Ways I've improved my independence

• Working, volunteering or taking on more roles at work / home, when feeling like I'm not doing enough already.


• Learning new skills - E.g for me cooking my own meals gave me more independence when I felt I lacked it.


• As well as getting into photography because it's something I can do by myself and I don't need to do it with people.


• Learning how to drive has helped give me a lot more independence. When you can drive everywhere on your own you can make the decisions by yourself. You don't have to rely on public transport or other people. However, not everyone can drive and I understand that. Even getting a bus pass for those disqualified for driving for medical reasons can make it easier for people to get around and go to different areas.


• Another big one for me was travelling and going on adventures by myself - you have to be independent to do this. When your by travelling by yourself you get experience talking to people, dealing with problems, navigating etc


• Creating challenges. When I've successfully completed challenges independently this has helped me increase confidence to be more independent.


• Going to meetups and clubs by myself has also helped improve by independence. Especially as I use to struggle with social phobia and overcoming this anxiety - via putting myself out of my comfort zone, and getting more use to talking to people and realising this isn't so bad. Has helped make it easier to be more independent as I no longer have an intense fear of social situations. The meetups I initially went to were mental health meetups. They were easier for me as people tend to be more compassionate and non-judgemental.