Day 15 of my mental health themed A to Z Challenge is O for open.
I started this blog just over a year ago. Writing a blog was something that I had always wanted to do. I wanted to connect to others and I wanted to share my story. I just didn’t know yet what that story would be! When I started I hid behind my dog Milly calling my blog ‘Milly’s Guide to Happiness’ – not quite believing that I was good enough to write a blog or be called a blogger. I kept this blog quiet, I didn’t tell my friends what I was doing, I didn’t share my posts on facebook and most people didn’t know that I had struggled with my mental health. But mental health became the story for this blog and my story.
As my blog developed and with the help of a counsellor I realised that being open about my feelings, wellbeing and mental health was good for me. By keeping things in I was increasing my strife, struggle and sadness. By keeping people at arms length I was increasing my feelings of isolation and loneliness. This distance increased my low self esteem, anger and awkwardness.
I’ve also now realised that by being open, sharing my story and my experiences can be helpful for others as well. It really puts a smile on my face when I see your likes and comments on my posts. I love it when my post resonates and means something to you. I really believe that if I can be more open about mental health then it will help many people. It’s why I organise Mental Health Mates walks, why I raised money for MInd and why I share reviews of helpful resources with you. It’s why I share with you the good and the bad and proudly call myself a mental health blogger, so that we all remember two things:
We are not alone and this too shall pass.
Thankyou for reading,
Lx
Like Milly’s Guide on facebook, follow on instagram, pinterest and bloglovin.
I have been open about almost every aspect of my life on my own blog. The mistakes, and the joys too. Whether others choose to do so or not, being open is the only way to get real fulfillment from the blogging process, as far as I am concerned.
Best wishes, Pete.
Healthy communities are made of healthy people. If we are open about our struggles we have a chance to improve not only our own health but that of the community by working together. (At least that is my opinion).
Very wise words. I’ve just listened to a new podcast (Bryony Gordon’s MadWorld with Prince Harry) where he basically said the same thing! It’s in everyone’s interests if we are open about how we are feeling 😊
I love the serendipity of our use of the same word!
Affirmations for a Good Life