"Having lost friends to their own mental battles or witnessed their tremendous support for the charity, and after navigating my own struggles but eventually finding my way out, I felt a strong sense of purpose to support Mental Health Resource."

Why I support Mental Health Resource

Losing a friend to mental health back in 2016 really rocked me. Before that, mental health was something I didn't really get—something that wasn’t really spoken about or was quite a taboo subject. However that experience kicked off a journey of learning and grappling with the harsh reality. Seeing first-hand how tough it can be, I started to understand the deep loneliness and fear that comes with battling mental health issues.

As time went on, anxiety and panic attacks became a daily constant unwelcome presences in my life. Even though I knew a lot more about mental health by then, feeling anxiety first-hand was a real eye-opener. It was like being stuck in a suffocating bubble, totally on my own. After years of battling with my own mental health and finding ways to overcome it, I emerged with a newfound passion to help others.

Having lost friends to their own mental battles or witnessed their tremendous support for the charity, and after navigating my own struggles but eventually finding my way out, I felt a strong sense of purpose to support Mental Health Resource. I set up a an Autumn Ball Fundraiser in 2023 because I understand just how vital and life-changing/saving their work is for our local community.

Tips for managing anxiety

As Mental Health Week approaches, I wanted to share some tips I've picked up over the years that have really helped me manage my anxiety:

GET MOVING: 

Taking a walk outdoors can be a game-changer, especially when the sun is shining. The vitamin D boost does wonders!

BREATHE: 

It might sound simple, but when we're stressed, our breathing often becomes shallow. Try deep, slow breaths—I personally find the 1:2 breathing ratio (inhale for 1 count, exhale for 2 counts) really calming.

SELF-CARE: 

Looking after yourself is key. Whether it's meditation, journaling, exercise (even a daily walk), healthy eating, or cutting back on alcohol, sugar, and smoking, taking care of your overall well-being can make a huge difference in managing your mental health.

STAY CONNECTED: 

Reach out to friends and loved ones for support. Sometimes, just talking things out can alleviate a lot of stress.