Collaboration with  RUOK & EcoCaffe 

We now in live in a society where the thoughts of others, what people wear, what people do, where they are going, who they hang out with – even what they eat, their religion or sexual preferences, their likes/dislikes, their unusual quirky/weird behaviour …it can all consume our mental processes.

There is a small percentage of us that worry about what others think of us (I confess, I still do – I shouldn’t but I do) and why that person doesn’t like us when others do. We are constantly comparing ourselves, our lives with everyone and anyone.

While social media is great, keeps us in contact with family & friends from around the world, brings the news, music, movies and so much more, right there and then at our finger tips, keeps us on the pulse of what is trending in the world – unfortunately, social media can also tear a person apart. 

With social bullying at an all time high, it can in that instant where you were may have been so happy for that moment as you decided to check out your Instagram or Facebook feed and notice you either haven’t received as many likes as you thought you might have, or if some ugly troll has left a degrading, soul destroying comment – the happiness you felt before, can be taken away in a mili second by someone else.

Every person reacts differently or handles every day life situations better or much worse than others. Mental health is something that should and needs to be spoken about more often, and freely without any judgements.

Last year I opened up about my battle with anxiety and depression and I pretty much tried as best as I could for such a very long long time, tried to hide it behind a mirror – literally, and not let anyone close to me (and that meant my husband, family, friends and work colleagues) know that I was suffering …and more so, drowning.

I just didn’t want to be a burden to anyone and especially I didn’t want my friends or colleagues to think any differently of me, that I had been feeling this way and more importantly that I was suffering from a mental illness.

I’m here to say that it is OK to ask for help and to never feel ashamed or to think that you are weak. Also, I’m here to encourage people to ask someone, if they see that that person looks sad and down – just ask them if they are OK.

The difference it makes to a person, whether it is a stranger, your girlfriend, husband or best-friend – or even, an ex-friend, is such a huge HUGE thing! It can make a such an overwhelming difference to someone who is feeling so alone, so sad and/or upset.  Just by having someone to listen to you, to offer their time and their shoulder, makes a world of difference. 

Just remember our minds are incredibly powerful and have the ability to convince us that something is how it showing us, when it may be the other way around. It knows how to manipulate and trick us, more so when we are feeling at our lowest point. Thats why it’s so important to stay strong and rise above any sudden upset, sadness or loss of control in whatever situations. 

My own anxiety and depression is on-going battle that I live with. Most day and weeks, I am so happy, energetic, ambitious and so full of life, and then out of the blue, something is triggered and I fall into a silent heap, wanting and searching to hide behind the walls in my home and/or put up a pretend mask, a character to hide my anguish, suffering and pain until I can’t any longer.

Most of the time I try to lean on my husband and mother when I am going through a rough time – although I will be completely honest, and its so wrong of me but I pretty much have to be at almost rock bottom before I ever ask them for any help. I admit that it’s wrong and it is something I am  truly trying to learn to improve. But I know that once I’ve poured my heart out, done my ugly Kim Kardashian cry face – I do feel so much better. Its like a load has been lifted off of my shoulders, and I know that someone cares. 

It’s such an overwhelming sense of relief to speak to someone about how you are feeling, pouring your heart out about what is bringing you down and (in some cases) they may be able to help you out. But it doesn’t matter, the first step is that they are listening to you but more importantly, that you are talking about what is hurting you.

Just by you speaking to someone, will release a-lot of the pressure, some of the anguish and in time, release any negative thoughts and feelings out of you, that you start to feel a little less lighter and maybe, just maybe, with a little more energy and peace inside of you. 

Remember, nobody is perfect or will ever be. We all have our own struggles, insecurities & imperfections, and life already is hard enough as it is. Lets stop the social media bullying (well, bullying of any kind), the making fun of someone because they are different and the judgments, as you just never know what that person may be going through.

Let’s show more kindness, understanding, love, patience & care, and less judgement, cruelty & hate in this world.

I am so proud & honoured to team up with RUOK and EcoCaffe to help bring continued awareness to RUOK. 

For those who don’t know what it is – RUOK is a suicide prevention charity in Australia, it is there to help people who are struggling with life, in all shapes & forms.

For those who follow my blog, you all know that I suffer from extreme anxiety & depression, and having an organisation like this is truly inspiring, and incredibly so needed!

The wonderful thing about EcoCaffe is that their coffee is ethical and biogradeable. So if you have a Nespresso machine, you just have to buy this delicious coffee! EcoCaffe will donate $5 to every $35 that is spent on their coffee.

And what’s more, $50 from every, ‘I Shine’ coffee/jewellery package (incl. 100 x biogradeable pods and a “I Shine” solid sterling necklace.

Please get behind this campaign & support it. The more awareness we have, the more walls are broken down & the stigma of mental health will slowly disappear. And if you see someone, who just doesn’t seem OK, just ask them… RUOK? ?

If you, or someone you know, is going through a tough time – contact your local head space centre, or chat online or give them a ring on the telephone:

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Call 24/7 for crisis support

Grief Line – 1300 845 745