MESSAGES OF HOPE

Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large (Ditcionary.com)

For Bethan Evans that was exactly what she needed in 2020 and, furthermore, exactly what she wanted to give to others who may be experiencing similar.

Bethan explains “As I’m sure many people can relate with, 2020 was the beginning of a very difficult and challenging time for myself. Alongside having to cope with the news of a potential global pandemic on the horizon, and trying to complete my second year at university, I was also just starting to emotionally unpack a series of unfortunate and traumatic events from my past. The more I unpacked, the more difficult things became and the more I began to struggle with my mental health.”

Perhaps you can relate?

She continues to explain “Very quickly I completely lost sight of who I was, my goals and what I had to live for. I felt utterly hopeless. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was at the beginning of a long battle against borderline personality disorder, (also referred to as, Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder). This mental illness seeped its way into every aspect of my life until I began to believe that the only escape from the torment was suicide.”

According to “zerosuicidealliance”, Wales has the third highest suicide rate in the UK, with 10.3 suicides per 100,000.

In times like this having strong support networks, or someone to reach out to, is essential and that is where ‘Messages for hope” steps in.

Bethan enlightens “It was thanks to my incredible support system that relentlessly reminded me whilst I was in the depths of despair, locked inside hospitals and psychiatric facilities that I did matter. It was then that I began to wonder, if these words of support from my loved ones were able to help and encourage me to keep fighting, was there a way to use their words to support others in times of difficulty. I suppose that was when my Messages of Hope seed was first watered and ever since, my Messages of Hope flower has continued to flourish and grow.”

Bethan’s Campaign, Messages of Hope, is a campaign that encourages anyone and everyone to write anonymous messages for people that are going through a difficult time and/or struggling with their mental health.

by Natalie McCulloch

She reaches out to communities through her website, social media and even ‘goes on the road’ to host events or complete giant murals to spread posivity and share messages of hope. Recently Bethan has held a drop in mural event on Barry Island beach and prior to that she’s created her largest mural of messages which measures an amazing 7 meters long and can be found on Cardiff Road!

If you would like to get involved and share some positivity please drop Bethan an email, follow ‘Messages of Hope’ on social media or log onto her website messagesofhope.co.uk to leave a message of positivity for all.

Whatever you do, remember you are not alone.

If you are struggling to cope and need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, there is always someone there to listen.

• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123.

• Text SHOUT on 85258.

These helplines are free, completely confidential and open 24/7, 365 days a year. These helplines are for anyone who is struggling. No problem is too small. Whatever you’re going through, they will not judge you.