World Mental Health Day Reflection

Today is World Mental Health Day, and I wanted to take a moment to share something very personal — how crochet has become my sanctuary during one of the most difficult chapters of my life.

A while ago, I found myself in an emotional fog like so many others. Our family was navigating a really tough situation — trying to find a school place that truly supported my daughter with special needs. You would ythink that would be easy, but in fact, It was exhausting, heartbreaking, and overwhelming. Every day felt like a battle I wasn’t equipped to fight, and somewhere along the way, I stopped taking care of myself. I knew I needed to put my all into educating a child (who really didn't want to be educated by me), also not loosing sight that I had another young child who very definitely needed my attention. Atthe same time, my husband was travelling around the World for his job so frequently, that at times, I felt like I was alone.

I knew something had to change. I needed an outlet, something just for me — a way to quiet my racing thoughts and find a sense of calm in the chaos. I needed something I could do at home easily that even when my husband was away, I didn't need to leave the house.  That’s when I saw an advert on facebook promoting a local lady, who I already knew a little, offering crochet lessons at a time I knew I would be able to do.

I was DREADFUL at it, but thoroughly enjoyed myself. What started as a small attempt at distraction quickly became a lifeline. Crochet gave me more than yarn and stitches; it gave me space to breathe again. It’s such a mindful craft — rhythmic, repetitive, and soothing. The more I practiced, the more I noticed my stress easing and my mood lifting. I was able to drop off to sleep easier, because I would crochet before bed, and my brain felt soothed.

So today, in honour of World Mental Health Day, I want to share a few of the ways I’ve learned to crochet myself calm:

1. Focus on the Rhythm

 

There’s something meditative about the simple rhythm of yarn over, pull through, repeat. When I focus on each stitch instead of everything going wrong around me, my breathing slows and my thoughts settle. Crochet is, in many ways, a form of meditation — one that rewards you with something beautiful at the end.

 

2. Start Small, Feel Big

 

In difficult times, big goals can feel overwhelming. That’s why small crochet projects — a granny square, a coaster, a simple scarf — can be so empowering. Each little finish reminds you that you can complete something, and that sense of achievement builds momentum and confidence.

3. Choose Colours That Comfort You

 

Colour has a real emotional impact. Soft pastels, earthy neutrals, or bright happy tones — choose whatever brings you peace. On anxious days, I find comfort in soft pinks and gentle greens; they feel like a hug in yarn form.

 

4. Crochet as Self-Care, Not Perfection

 

Some days, the stitches will be messy — and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence. Crochet isn’t about the final product but about giving yourself permission to slow down and simply be.

 

5. Connect and Create Community

 

Crochet also opened doors for connection. Online groups, local craft circles, even a quick chat with someone who understands “frogging” — these moments of shared creativity help me feel less alone. Connection, after all, is one of the cornerstones of good mental health. I enjoy nothing more than seeing communities building around crochet during each and every one of my workshops. 

 

A Thread of Hope

 

Crochet has become more than a hobby — it’s a gentle reminder that even when life feels tangled, we can still create something beautiful. Each loop and stitch represents a small step toward healing, mindfulness, and joy.

If you’re struggling or searching for calm, maybe try picking up a hook and a ball of yarn. You never know — it might just stitch a little peace back into your life too.

Today, I crochet for my mental health. For mindfulness. For me. 💚