It’s so hard sometimes to empathise with another when it comes to mental health, but no matter how that person is dealing with their situation and how hard you may be finding it to understand, the common denominator is that every single person needs some form of support. Support from family, from friends, from health services – from anyone who can offer that extra hand to hold and that extra strength needed for the battle they’re currently facing.

We’ve been privy to too many news articles recently, reciting statements from loved ones, who wish so badly that their friend, their son,  their partner, had been offered more support in their time of need or wishing they’d reached out to them. It’s another urgent sign that we must keep talking about mental health and end the stigma that so tightly surrounds it. Emotions do not discriminate and neither should we. We can all feel utterly lost, completely broken and simply hopeless sometimes. But whether it’s the first time we’ve felt this way or the hundredth exhausting time, please reach out and ask for help, because it’s okay to talk about your problems and you are not alone.

“Life is unpredictable,
it changes with the seasons.
Even your coldest winter,
happens for the best of reasons.
And though it feels eternal,
like all you’ll ever do is freeze. 
I promise Spring is coming,
and with it, brand new leaves.” 

– Erin Hanson

I am, of course, no expert and I certainly don’t hold the answers, but if I can talk publicly about how I know it’s okay to talk about your problems, then perhaps one more person will too. There is no weakness in asking for help, in seeking out support and in wanting to grow, there is only pride in yourself and gaining a huge amount of respect from those around you. It’s perfectly okay to struggle but things can and do get better when you open up.

For anyone who might need support, please reach out, you are cared for more than you know x

 For those in the UK:

For urgent & confidential 24 hour support: Samaritans

For specific help & support: NHS Helplines

To find the right help & support for you: Mind

To help end Mental Health discrimination: Rethink

 For those in other countries: 

If you need help and support please reach out to a friend, a family member or a confidential site online, to be referred to the correct support network for you. Help is only a click away.

 For those in the USA:

For urgent & confidential 24 hour support: Lifeline

To find local support in your State: TWLOHA

To find specific support & resources: MentalHealth.gov

Find the right help & support for you: MHA

Shop the full look here.