10/10/2023
This is close to my heart and something I prioritise every single day now. But there was a time when I didn’t. Here’s my story...
❤️ WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY. 10.10.2023
There’s no doubt, my breaking moment, and the year that followed, were really hard. Not just for me, but also for those who loved me most.
But, in hindsight, that was part of the road to now. Being happy again.
In truth, the hardest part was hiding it for so long. For a couple of years before THAT moment, I’d been pretending everything was ok.
Imagine walking into the office every single day, with a smile and an enthusiastic ‘good morning’, despite 5 minutes earlier having been in the carpark, fighting off uncontrollable shaking and a sudden inability to breathe.
Imagine making mistakes that you just wouldn’t normally make. Rather than being asked if you’re ok, you’re told you need to up your game. How? You already know you’re using everything you have just to be there in the first place.
Imagine your colleagues seeing you as a liability and a burden. They see you not pulling your weight. You know you’re just utterly exhausted.
Imagine knowing the cracks are starting to show. That people are seeing the ‘mental you’. That you’re suddenly in a position where you can’t hide anymore and people, who don’t understand, will see the very thing you’ve been hiding for so long.
THAT is the reality of a mental health condition.
We need to stand up, be brave, and talk about mental health openly.
No one should feel they have to hide. No one should have to break before they get noticed.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m here today, strong and happy. I’ve got a rock solid support network and I recognise when I need to take a little time out to look after me. I’m ok with not being ok sometimes.
But not everyone is so lucky.
Always be kind to those around you. You simply don’t know what battles someone is hiding and your kind words might just be the light someone needs today ❤️
📸 Pic was taken 7 years ago. I remember it well. That’s me hiding behind make up and a smile. I struggled to keep the mask on that day and it did slip a few times. But I do think I was hiding it quite well...