No man is an island; but it can often feel like we’re stranded out here alone.

I’ve been dealing recently with some personal demons, you can read about these here: Asking for Help and Getting Worse to Get Better. As a continuation of the theme of my blog, I wanted to again address this idea of mental health, but to also cast it in another light. Since opening up, I’ve been struck by two realisations. The first, is just how helpful, kind, and understanding so many people are; both on here within the blogosphere and out there in the real world. There’s often a stigma attached to mental health and there’s often a amalgamated feeling of fear and guilt from suffering from any mental illness. This, in turn, can lead to this isolation; this internal (and often incorrect) idea that we are alone in our suffering. This isn’t the case, however, as I’ve been shown time and time again at just how supportive and accepting other people can be. We need only open up to those we trust, and we can see that, with the right support network, they will attempt anything they can to help. Even when we don’t want their help, they can provide a shoulder, or an ear.

Not only that, my second realisation is just how many of us are fighting some kind of battle of our own. I’ve always been a big fan of the below motto:

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle”

And it’s true!

Depression and anxiety effect so many of us in so many different ways, for some of us they’re transitory, for others they linger; some of us cope despite, and some of us overcome entirely. There is no completely right or wrong way to live our lives, but what’s become more and more evident to me is just how similar we are in that we are all struggling in some way. By being open, by discussing our issues, we help uncover the demons within, not just ourselves, but within others too. We help remove that stigma and, more importantly, we help reduce the isolation. By discussing our issues, we open the forum to those of others, by supporting others, we support ourselves. Right now we are a deeply connected world, we’re at the height of social media and social interaction, and, whilst we are making some advancements, we could be doing more to support others (Also, see: Can you hear an Echo?). I feel blogs help with this, they allow us to vent, and they allow others to listen. Our demons need no longer be hidden amongst us; we need no longer feel ashamed, or guilty, or isolated. It’s still hard, because it’s still a struggle, but know that there are people out there fighting very similar fights and know that they will understand.

I want to take a brief moment to thank everyone who has offered their support the past few weeks. I may have not been the most responsive in replies or comments, but all your words have touched me. I am astounded by the lack of judgement and the amount of sincere acceptance. Please know that if anyone, friend, family, or current stranger, needs to talk I will always listen, as others have listened to me. Thank you all.