It’s OK Not To Be OK...

Time is precious. Physical health and happiness are precious too, but MENTAL HEALTH is as precious as any other health.

There’s a pressure within our society that we must always be happy, coupled with the challenges of work, finance, relationships, being a parent or just fitting in can show up in our lives as deep fuelled emotions, such as anxiety, depression, stress, sadness, frustration or even anger, that can literally overcome us in the blink of an eye!

Our journey through life is filled with ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, which in turn shapes us into the people we are. However, for those who are struggling with mental illness and/or grief it may feel as though one low day just leads into another, and it becomes an ongoing battle just to function from day to day.

To admit you're struggling can be tough, but to deal with life's challenges without support or speaking out, would be like riding a bike for the first time without stabilisers.

I used to hear people say that showing your emotions was a sign of weakness or failure, but this is so far from the truth!

We all have good and bad days. So it’s impossible to be perfectly happy all of the time, that’s just not humanly possible.

One day we can feel on top of the world, the next we can feel down or out of sorts. Some people just put on a smile on their face to mask and hide the darkness.

Having previously suffered from panic attacks, anxiety and depression…
I remember not having anyone I could actually talk to! Mental health wasn’t a subject that was mentioned, let alone discussed. So I kept quiet!

Looking back, I realise this was how life used to be and so I had no choice but to bottle up my emotions and that in turn affected me Mentally, Emotionally, Physically and Spiritually.

So what changed for me? I realised that if I changed my mindset I could actually change my life. So I decided to work on myself; my own mental health, studying Neuro Linguistic Programming and Life Coaching, which ultimately lead me to gaining an Advanced Accredited Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, along with Diploma’s in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR Therapy and Mindfulness.

So how is mental health changing now? Essentially, we are now being called to move away from the outdated notion that mental health is a stigma and instead of locking those thoughts and feelings away in a cupboard, it’s now absolutely ok to talk about it!

I know how difficult life can be, but when we start to look and understand how our Thoughts can affect our Emotions, which in turn affects our Behaviour, then positive change starts to happen.

So if you’re reading this, just know that whatever you’re going through, you’re not broken or alone. You are worthy, precious and beautiful beyond measure. YOU’RE NEVER ALONE and a friendly voice is always there.