As it’s mental health awareness month in May- it’s taken me until the very last day to write this, it’s so hard to explain to anyone who has been lucky enough not to suffer with their mental health.
From the outside, most people could never have known I was struggling… battling with constant negative thought patterns, terrible self esteem, too anxious to leave the house. It felt like the darkness was never going to end… I kept thinking, tomorrow I’ll be better but it was total burnout. I had smiled through it for too long.
I turned inwards… it took a lot of support from my loved ones, a lot of understanding when I couldn’t even understand myself… therapy, treatment & care. I know I was very lucky to fight through it all and be here to write this today.
I learned a lot about myself, the company I keep, the things in life that make me really smile. I don’t need to wear a mask anymore- I don’t push myself into things that are to my detriment. I speak up and stand in my power when anything doesn’t sit right with me. I know that it is ok to be disagreeable. I don’t have to please everyone… I can say no. It’s ok..
I’m writing this to anyone who feels like those tough negative feelings are all life has to offer. I promise you, it gets better from here. Lean on the ones you love, speak up, do anything that helps you climb the emotional scale. Get outside into nature, listen to music that opens your heart, have a good cry- watch films that make you giggle. Don’t be afraid to open up and be honest about the way you feel. Sunny days are coming… and the dark days only make you appreciate the bright ones even more.
One of the incredible things about the time that we are living through is that the stigma around mental health is fading away. Help is at our fingertips. Call Samaritans on +18778704673 anytime of day, any day of the week for confidential and free support… blue skies are coming 💘
#mentalhealthawareness
P.s. thank you to each and every astoundingly brilliant family member, friend and professional who helped me out my own darkness. You know who you are & I am eternally grateful