As I write this blog post, I’m under the duvets, the dim light of my phone hitting my face, the night rather old. It’s another sleepless one for me, by the looks of things. The whole New Year period always gets me reflecting on life. The past 12 months and the 12 yet to come. It can often play on my mind about the state of my mental health.
I’m not one to shy away from the topic of mental health issues, because I was silenced and alone growing up. I know just how important it is for people to speak out and with a hell of a lot of experience, I try to put a silver lining on a dull and grey cloud by helping others.Over the past few months, I’ve spoken to numerous friends from different walks of life and tonight it really just made me realise; mental illness cares for no one. I have friends in highly respected jobs, which if you were to look from an outsider’s point of view, they seem to have the perfect life. But when they invite you into their little private bubble and let down their guard, you see the reality. The last couple of years has seen a rapid increase of diversity within my friendship groups. Young, old, rich, poor, religious, athiest… and there’s something quite distinct about what many of them have in common; mental health struggles.

You see, it doesn’t matter if you’re a millionaire in the making or a teenager sitting exams, mental health issues can impact everyone. And we should never have to feel alone. I hate the fact that more often than not, people comment on someone else’s struggles. “She shouldn’t be depressed, she has a lot of money.” “He shouldn’t have anxiety, he doesn’t have much going on in his life to be anxious about.” “They shouldn’t feel suicidal, they have their dream job.” It’s so important that we erase the other differences from the picture. No matter what your background or your story, it can impact us all the same.
It’s been over 11 years since my initial diagnosis and the rollercoaster of a journey has been exhausting, emotional and overwhelming. But as time goes on and I meet more people, I realise that I’m even less alone than I ever thought. If I could go back 11 years and show my younger self that what I face is not uncommon and I’m not on my own, I think things could have had quite a different outcome.
So, while I may not have a New Year’s Resolution, I have a promise I intend on keeping to myself and anyone I can help, to raise awareness of mental health, the importance, the battle against stigma and the signposting to people to places, communities and organisations that they can get help. To tell the tale that even though it can feel as though the fight is lonely, we are actually in an army. Taking the reigns together and all floating in the same boat. We shouldn’t ever have to feel alone, especially when we’re in such a personal fight against our issues.
I hope that you decided to read this entire post, because the moral of it is that you, the person reading these very words, are not alone. And you should never have to feel that way. Because even if you fail to see the others around you in your position, I’m here. With you. And we can do this. Together.
Charity contacts:
- Mind UK
- Meic Cymru
- Samaritans
- To Write Love On Her Arms
- Mental Health Foundation
- Mental Health America
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Jazz is a Disney, tea and pop culture enthusiast with a passion for blogging. Also a proud introvert.
Yes, mental health issues can affect anyone at any time and I think people forget that.
Thank you for writing this, mental health is very misunderstood and for those suffering posts like these lets them know they are not alone and it is not something to be hidden. I have also shared your post on twitter x
Thanks so much for sharing! I definitely want to be able to raise awareness throughout 2017, because it seems like the amount of diagnosis made is increasing all the time.
A very honest post. I am currently battling with post natal depression. I look calm on the outside but inside I’m struggling. Mental Health really can hit anyone. Jo x
Mental health can really effect anyone. my friend has had problems with it for some time
Beautifully put. Regardless of your background we all have struggles with mental health and its important to remove the stigma surrounding an open and healthy discussion of mental health.
This is a beautiful post and it is a shame that there is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues. So often this causes people to hesitate to seek help and to reach out to people when they are feeling so very alone. Mental illness truly knows no boundaries and the sooner we remove the stigma surrounding it, the better. Please know that you are never alone either x
A really brave, honest post. Mental health definitely doesn’t discriminate – and it’s hard to deal with if others aren’t as supportive as they could be. More awareness and discussion is definitely the way forward though.
This is so, so important. Thank you for being so transparent.
There is no knowing who mental health will affect. People from all sorts of backgrounds can suffer from it and it’s very brave of you to discuss this in a post.
Followed you yesterday and have been loving your blog!! This post in particular was very moving and as someone who suffers from anxiety I found this very relatable. I love your writing and we have the same name (diff spelling) so that’s pretty cool haha, can’t wait to read more of you in the future!
Jas xx
Aww, thank you very much for following! (By the way, love your name :P) I’m glad you could relate to this and that you’re enjoying my blog!
As someone who suffers with anxiety and mental health issues I know that it can affect anyone for no reason at all x
Thanks for this, I have suffered with depression since I was 17, I will be 32 in 2 weeks time. I don’t think that it is something that will ever go away, but something that I will have to learn to live with for the rest of my life
You are completely right, more people who are suffering need to realise that they are not alone x
Great post and thanks for bringing the awareness up. Anxiety and mental health doesn’t discriminate and find that people of all walks of life suffer or have suffered. It’s a shame to meet people that don’t understand, For me not picking on anyone, but I find that some men I have met don’t get it and think you can just get on with it and it doesn’t work like that. I have had anxiety for years and sadly my daughter also suffers. my best friend who everye loves and seems to have it together suffers terribly. It is a good reminder to be nice to people because you don’t know what their life is really like
Mental health is a bummer I have suffered for over 20 years I have highs and lows but most importantly to me is I have learnt to deal with it. People should talk and not suffer in silence there is help out there just ask.
I wish I knew the real trigger of mine, it nearly destroyed my life. I’m doing much better now though & getting stronger day by day. It’s hard, I understand though, I could be in a room full of people and feel alone. Keep smiling xo
I think people forget that mental illness can affect anyone at anytime, it isn’t just some people or certain types of people!
What a beautiful post. You are not alone either and if you ever need a chat don’t hesitate to reach out. x
I loved this so much! I have struggled with my mental health for quite a few years but then in 2016, I was officially diagnosed myself and I had a horrible year with it. It took me ages to say anything to anyone and I was so afraid to talk about it. Recently I’ve managed to say a bit here and there and it really does help having people their to support you and to just talk to! I want to be there for people as much as I’d want them to be there for me because it’s really true, it can happen to anyone no matter what’s going on in their life!
A wonderfully written post. I have suffered with depression for 20yrs now. It’s a lot easier to talk about now than it used to be. Thank you for discussing it on your blog.xx
This is a great post – it is so important to raise awareness of mental health issues. I have many friends who struggle with their mental health and some of them could not be more different from each other – mental health really doesn’t discriminate, you can be young or old, male or female, rich or poor.
I’m glad to see more bloggers like yourself taking a stand and using your platform to talk about it, its really important and I commend you for your bravery x
I think anyone willing to be brave enough to speak openly about mental health is doing a great job!!!! Its so inportant that mental health is spoken about for people that don’t understand to gain a clearer picture and for those that do suffer to not feel alone!! Thank you for writing such a raw post!
Looking from the outside people think only certain people can have mental health issues but like you said it does not discriminate and affects anyone and everyone. Great post and thanks for raising awareness
This is such a honest post Jazmin! I wish more people were brave enough to speak up about topics like this – myself included. It’s so important to help raise awareness of mental health. No one should have to feel alone x