(Hey, look at that – someone can’t count so this is a bonus post: #25 of 24!)

As #TimeToTalk day 2019 draws to a close, and another blogathon reaches its end, I would like to just take a moment to say a huge, huge thank you to every single one of you who has taken the time to read, like comment and share the posts from the last 24 hours. The first #TimeToTalk day blogathon that I did way back in 2015 was a spur of the moment decision because I just wanted to do something to try and help people feel they could talk about their mental health, and (if I’m honest) I think I was still trying to convince myself it was ok as well.

As #TimeToTalk day 2019 draws to a close, and another blogathon reaches its end, I would like to just take a moment to say a huge, huge thank you to every single one of you who has taken the time to read, like comment and share the posts from the last 24 hours. The first #TimeToTalk day blogathon that I did way back in 2015 was a spur of the moment decision because I just wanted to do something to try and help people feel they could talk about their mental health, and (if I’m honest) I think I was still trying to convince myself it was ok as well.

That first blogathon consisted of awkwardly haphazard posting times, short and rushed posts with many typos, and the content was mostly sharing links, motivational quotes and the odd snippet of my own thoughts. This year, for the first time, I opened up the blogathon to other bloggers and was overwhelmed with the positive response I had from people wanting to be involved. The 2019 #thincblogathon has been a truly collaborative and international project: I’ve been honoured to share posts from bloggers all over the UK, as well as from Mauritius, USA, India, Australia and Nigeria. What started out as a very personal project in the midst of my own mental health journey has, this year, become a genuine conversation and community which has reached across oceans. I feel incredibly moved and proud of what it has become.

#TimeToTalk day is a great opportunity to open up conversations, to draw attention to mental health, and to break down some of the stigma that makes it so difficult to talk honestly. Chances are, we will all be affected by mental health issues at some point in our lives, whether they be our own mental health struggles or those of the people close to us, so these are important conversations and ones that could make all the difference to so many people.

It is vital that we make space for open dialogue, not just on #TimeToTalk day but every day. Remember: it’s the little things that can make all the difference; it’s always the right time to start a conversation; no-one is defined by their mental health, but it can have a huge impact on how they live and feel day-to-day; there is always light to be found, even if we can’t find it right now; no-one needs a reason to feel what they feel; we are all beautiful chaos; it’s ok not to be ok; if we speak openly and listen authentically, we can change the world.

I urge you to continue this conversation beyond today, beyond reading and liking and sharing. I ask you to reach out to the people around you, whether to seek help or offer it. These conversations change lives. And we could all do with knowing we are not alone.

I do not have thanks big enough for the wonderful group of bloggers who volunteered their time, energy and stories to be part of the blogathon this year: their involvement has meant the word to me. Thank you to Neha (The Elysian), Karishma (Gratisoul), Rachel (Tales of a 4 Child Mom), JC Stephenson (Stephenson Books), Millie (MSB Life), Grace (Life In Bloom), Millie (A Queen With Wings), Abbey (Life and Relationship Issues), Georgia (The Lazzzy Student), and Alexandrina (Elysian Haze), for all their contributions and support on social media throughout the 24 hours the blogathon has been running. Go give them a visit and show them some love!

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To find out more about #TimetoTalk, check out this link and get involved.

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.