I know what it is like to battle with mental health issues first-hand. I've been exposed to and experienced Mental Health issues since childhood. Some of my closest friends and family have gone through some incredibly life-changing experiences due to not seeking help for fear of being rejected or laughed at. 

Severe depression, extreme anxiety and eating disorders are something that I have been secretly battling for many years now. Sometimes it gets better, but bouts of bad days/weeks and months still show up in my life when I least expect it. I have learned how to put on a brave face and power through my bad days, but it is not easy. Never has been and never will be... Nor should we have to put a brave face on when we are struggling. We should be able to talk openly about our experiences and seek help. Just like we do when we break a leg. No one expects us to suffer in pain and in silence with physical injuries... Mental struggles are just as painful and debilitating ( if not worse!)... 

I am grateful for Mental Health charities such as Mind that are there to help those of us who do not have anyone to talk to and ask for help. I am grateful for their hard work to break the stigma about mental health being a weakness - it is not. I am appreciative of their efforts to help everyone without prejudice or judgement. 

I, therefore, decided to take part in a 24 hour sponsored silence to help raise awareness and funds for Norfolk and Waveney Mind, my local Mind mental health charity.  

I'm hoping that challenging myself to stay silent for 24 hours will help others struggling with mental health to find their voice and seek help.

Those of you who know me well know that being silent for 24 hours is going to be a real challenge for me. I always have to say my piece and put my two pennies worth. I am sure my daughter and my partner will be delighted to have a full 24 hours of silence!

Remember, it is ok to not be ok. It is ok to seek help. It is ok to speak out. Please do not suffer in silence. Norfolk and Waveney Mind are here for you. Norfolk and Waveney Mind are busier than ever, 60% of adults and young people who did not experience poor mental health before the pandemic are now experiencing mental health issues. I want to help Norfolk and Waveney Mind to be there for as many people as they can.