Mental Health Affects Us All

For those of you who know my story, you won't be surprised to hear that I had a bit of a melt down over the weekend, triggered in part by the dreadful stories in the press over the last few weeks.

Fortunately, I have a couple of good friends who I can talk to who help me get my head straight and everything back on track but not everyone is able to do that.

I think my melt down came from being overwhelmed by the media coverage which triggered so many memories for me, the biggest of which was my brother being found dead in the house. No reason was found for what happened and at the time, I went onto automatic pilot to keep everyday life as normal as possible for my children. My mother had died the year before and my father 4 years before that so I was left on my own to cope with what came next. My brother's will was contested, my aunt disowned me and I left my husband! I don't do things by halves … My poor solicitor had 5 files open for me at one point so you imagine how stressful that was.

Over the years that followed, I seemed to attract the wrong people, got caught up in some domestic abuse - the police were amazing but the CPS didn't prosecute so life was very difficult. Even to leave the house was a challenge. Anyone who knew me then will remember the gibbering wreck who could barely stand up and say her name!

Gradually over the years, I've rebuilt my confidence, built my business and grown my network so that I now have a close circle of trusted friends who support me - and I them.

Mental health issues are often hidden - and I'm as guilty of that as anyone. I don't like to admit that I have a problem sometimes and don't always ask for help when I need it.

This is very hard to write but I think it needs to be said. You don't know what someone else is going through, be kind, be there and be prepared to listen. Sometimes that's all that is needed - a friendly face who will listen and then things don't feel so bad.

Today the sun is shining, my friends have checked up on me and I'm in a much better place and ready to face the world again.