A GENTLE REMINDER

It's okay not to be okay. Mental health is so, so important, so if it's yourself, a friend or family member who is struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out for help, whether it's for you, or for the others around you. You're not alone.

If you don't feel comfortable talking to these people about what is going on, then there are alternative options of people you can turn to.

Holding Space, for example, provide confidential emotional, non-judgemental support over the phone (01323 315005) in the UK, no matter how small or big your issue is

Young Minds "provide young people with tools to look after their mental health" and have lots of practical and helpful tips that could help you on their website:

Teen Tips Wellbeing

Hub "provides a proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing by offering support and guidance. It is live and interactive, with a team of professionals delivering new content weekly"

The Stag Team

Who can you turn to?

Although attitudes towards mental health have changed significantly in recent years, there's still a stigma around opening up and discussing one's feelings However, this should not be the case at all Mental health is as important (if not more important) than physical health, and it should be spoken about openly regardless of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or disability. Not talking about how you feel may lead to you isolating yourself, or feeling like a burden, which you are not

If you notice that your friend has started being less talkative, or has changed their behaviour significantly (or even slightly), this might be a sign that they aren't doing so well. Even if they seem really happy all the time, keep checking on them, even if they say they're fine. It's really easy to hide how you feel inside, which is why we have to keep looking out for each other as a community.

If you take away one thing from this page, let it be this: you are not alone in this community. Please don't be afraid to reach out to others, or try to hide how you feel.