A little vulnerability for Mental Health Awareness Week…
You might have noticed a bit of quiet from me lately. For much of the past year, and acutely over the last few months, I've been hiding. Not intentionally from any of you, but from myself, really. I haven't been feeling myself, experiencing a persistent cloud of feeling down, lonely, hopeless, and useless.
About a month ago, after a particularly rough patch, I knew I needed to reach out for professional help. And just two weeks ago, I received a diagnosis of depression. I'm currently navigating the process of accessing counselling, which feels like a journey in itself.
What has been surprising since opening up to a few trusted people is the incredible reaction. The kindness and support that come my way is a real comfort. ❤️
It makes me realise how much the isolation I'd unknowingly built around myself was actually amplifying the struggle. Sharing, it turns out, is a crucial part of finding my way forward.
Now, as a coach, admitting this isn't easy. There's a nagging thought that we should have it all together. But honestly, who truly does? Having depression doesn't diminish my ability to connect, to listen, to ask the questions that help others move forward. I'm still the coach a client recently described as "life changing." We are all human, navigating our own complexities.
My reason for sharing this isn't to dwell on the diagnosis itself, but to highlight the profound impact of breaking the silence. If you're reading this and feeling a similar weight, please know that you are not alone. Reach out to a friend, a family member, your GP, or a helpline. Don't let isolation become your default. Taking that first step to share can genuinely shift things for the better.
This experience also brings another important point into sharp focus: we need to be more aware of the quiet ones. Aside from my closest family, most people in my life didn't realise the extent of my struggles over these past months. I was adept at keeping a professional facade. So, please, let's make a conscious effort to check in with those who might not be vocalising their difficulties. Ask if they are really okay, and don't hesitate to offer a helping hand.
The support I've received since opening up is invaluable. Even simple messages checking in make a world of difference reminding me that I'm valued, and I matter – even though I don't always have the energy or mental capacity to respond, and I apologise if I've been slow to reply.
This only happens because I dare to share (hence why I felt compelled to write this post). It's not easy, I know.
Let's make looking out for each other, both by speaking up and by paying attention to the silence, a priority.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay #LookOutForTheQuietOnes #MentalHealthMatters #CommunitySupport #TogetherForMentalHealth