It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. I don’t know what ‘mental health’ conjures up for you.
Maybe it’s what you battle with daily.
Maybe you know a close family member or friend who battles with it themselves.
Or maybe you live in fear of the return of mental health issues.
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| "Take no.13" |
I’ve never publicly spoken up about my experience
of mental health.
And I’m not going to delve into it now. But what I
will do is share a quote from my book:
“It wasn’t until I experienced anxiety that I
realised rationale and logic don’t keep you from it”
Anxiety made (and makes) me feel like I'm out of control, lost, afraid, exhausted and alone. I couldn't bear the realisation that there was no quick-fix or way of rationalising my way out of it. Anxiety defies logic and I found that the scariest thing of all.
You may be surprised to find out that I've experienced this. Part of me hates that it surprises you. I wonder whether it's because of the unseen stories of many smiling social media posts...even mine.
Behind every social media smile is a story. Like I've hinted at, what many people don’t know about my story is the place that anxiety plays in it. My hope is that no matter what the story is behind your smile, you know that you aren’t alone.
You may be surprised to find out that I've experienced this. Part of me hates that it surprises you. I wonder whether it's because of the unseen stories of many smiling social media posts...even mine.
Behind every social media smile is a story. Like I've hinted at, what many people don’t know about my story is the place that anxiety plays in it. My hope is that no matter what the story is behind your smile, you know that you aren’t alone.
When I experienced anxiety, what brought me a sense of comfort and courage was sharing my story with people I trusted. We don’t always see the story behind someone’s smile. Most stories contain a battle or a few. But, when we share our story, we release others to share theirs too. Be assured that you are doing well. You are seen, you are known and you are loved.
I do hope that I am and can continue to become someone of authenticity (or genuineness); sharing the whole truth about who I am and the life that I live (the pretty AND ugly truth). And this MHAW, I want you to know that I haven't got it all sussed...I'm on a journey when it comes to mental health too.
Read more by pre-ordering More Than Just Pretty.
P.S. IT'S OK NOT TO BE ABLE TO SMILE.
#MHAW18
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ReplyDeleteLove your honesty Jessie,
ReplyDeleteA lot of people can relate to this especially as it is exam season and anxiety is heightened generally around this time. It is nice to hear we are not alone in our mental health journeys and good luck with your book (can't wait to read it) and mental health journey.
Rebecca xx