For everyone who has fought

and fought

and fought

and found –

just when they thought the fight was won –

that they have been knocked down and have to struggle up

again.

 

For everyone who has felt

and felt

and felt

and found –

just when they thought there was no more to feel – 

that there was another wave of feeling

waiting

in the wings, to sweep you off your feet

again.

 

This is for you.

 

In the understanding that we can feel nothing,

And we can feel everything.

That to wonder and imagine and open up and

Just

Be

Can lift us and ground us,

And that we need not be alone.

• JH

 

 

Starting the conversation is hard. Sometimes there are no words for what we need to express. Sometimes only tears or wordless cries or fists balled in our hair have the eloquence we need. And this might not be much, but right here, right now, people are listening, and this is for you. It’s #timetotalk, if you can. If you have nothing to share of your own experiences, this is still for you, because it’s time to start asking “how are you?”, and really listening to the answer. Not just the spoken “Fine, thanks” but the unspoken, “I’ve been better”.

 

* * *

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health then please don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to someone. You are not alone and help is available. By opening up and starting the conversation we can move forward together and look to a mentally healthy future. Below are links to a range of fantastic organisations that can provide information, advice and services.

The Samaritans – http://www.samaritans.org

Mind – http://www.mind.org.uk

Young Minds – http://www.youngminds.org.uk

Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) – https://www.papyrus-uk.org

Self Harm UK – https://www.selfharm.co.uk

Time to Change – http://www.time-to-change.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness – http://www.rethink.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – https://www.afsp.org

Please do not struggle alone.