Having studied Psychology at University (Yeah I have a science degree!! Even I still can't get over it!), I learnt a lot about mental health, the symptoms, the signs to look out for, the statistics, the lot. I know that more males in the U.K die by suicide compared to cancer which is such a tragic statistic.
So how is it, even though I know the statistics, when I'm feeling low I question myself? I feel like I'm the only one who's feeling sad or lonely. I feel like everyone else around me is happier than me. I think something is wrong with me?!
I know unfortunately, social media has a lot to play in this "everyone is happier than me" mindset. Because let's be honest, you're never going to put a selfie up when you've been crying all afternoon #feelingrubbish #eatenawholepacketofcustardcreams #stillinmypjs. No one is going to tell everyone when they've been knocked back by 5 job interviews, or when their baby has been screaming all day and you have no idea why.
Social media is a highlight reel, it's the best bits of everyone's lives and we forget that - even I forget that and I know that I've put up photos of me smiling even when I've been feeling sad.
Luckily for me I am a very open person, and I talk. Alot. I have a family which is very open. I went to speak to my Dad about it and he said "Well the only way we can get to the bottom of this is to talk it out" and we sat up 'til midnight going through everything. I talk to my friends at work, the more I talk about it the more I realise EVERYONE goes through these feelings. I get friends saying:
"Aw Luce you know what I really want to do this evening? Just put on my trackies, put on a sad film and cry all evening."
The thing is with emotions is that they need to be felt, so if you're not feeling okay then that needs to be felt. You can't ignore it; you have to process emotions, deal with them otherwise bottling them up will only force you to deal with them later on down the line - and you don't know when this will be.
Reach out to someone you trust, speak up, say you're not feeling great (even if you don't know the reason!). It really is okay not to be okay. It's NORMAL. No human goes through life constantly happy. In the wise words of Ronan Keating, life is a rollercoaster, you just got to ride it. Take the highs with the lows, and remember you are not alone, whatever you are feeling. There is someone else out there going through the same, or has been through the same and can relate and listen.
I've attached some links to some amazing charities and help centres. There is always someone even when you think there is no one.
Lots of love,
Lucy xxx