Where do I start…. So I finally shared my blog properly on
Facebook after much encouragement from my nearest and dearest. Although this
blog was already public I’d never properly advertised that I had it. It was a
scary moment for me, as people would finally be able to read and critique my
writing. And made all the more scarier that I write about more personal,
sensitive topics. With my “fuck it, let’s see what happens” attitude I have
seem to have quickly adopted I posted it to my Facebook profile.
The response I got was quite overwhelming to say the least,
I had a few different people message me talking about their experiences and
people who thought they knew me well, who were quite shocked as they never even
knew that I’d had depression in the past. I guess that just shows how easy it
is to cover up.
It did sadden me to think that people do experience
depression and anxiety, but don’t really talk to anyone about it and I guess
one thing that I’m proud of regarding this blog is that it has got people
talking or thinking about it. I have found that so many people just think they
have to remain positive and keep up appearances as it were, but it’s so
important to be able to talk to someone if you are having a shitty time. And
even if you don’t want to speak to someone you know, there are charities out
there like the Samaritans.
I was a listening volunteer for Samaritans for a short while,
and the training that goes into doing that role is unbelievable. I think a lot
of people assume that the Samaritans is for people who are suicidal, which partly
it is, but you can still call them if you’re just struggling or feeling down –
you don’t have to feel suicidal. They have lots of information and are able to
signpost you to other external agencies depending on what the issue is, if
needs be. The fastest response you will get is by calling them but you can
text, e-mail, post a letter or pop into the Samaritans branch too. I found
e-mailing the best option for me as it gave me time to get all my thoughts
down in one go.
If you’re lucky enough to have someone you trust and can
confide in however, do it. The way I see it, talking about these issues will
have a domino effect and more and more people will start to feel more
comfortable to talk about them. So, next time if a friend is asking you how you’re
doing, its ok to say that you’re not ok!
In my opinion, being “strong” isn’t about who can smile the
longest and “grin and bear it” as it were. It’s about the person who is willing
to express how they really feel and acknowledge when they are having a tough
time and then looks to do something to change it.
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| Gossip Girl Appreciation GIF |
I just want to say thanks again for everyone’s feedback, regarding
this blog. I will be looking to do some more posts on different topics. I’m
currently trying to work a DSLR camera (pray for me), so hopefully will be able
to get some of my own photos on here too from when I go on my travels, outings
etc and also bits of fictional writing I’ve been working on and maybe even some
poetry! I’m currently in the early stages of a project that’s
ongoing too which I can’t wait to share with you... So many ideas I think I may just implode.
Thanks for reading.
Lucy x
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