Your Stories

The confidence I have is a learned skill. Maybe confidence can come naturally, but it didn’t for me.

It’s important to know what it is and know you’re not alone.

Sitting at breakfast on that ordinary Saturday, I realised, from a random news story, that I was past that part of my life. 

Don’t be afraid to implement some new habits in your life slowly.

Over the last few years, I have been able to see that bravery comes in all shapes and sizes.

cluster b constantly changing identities fickle specialties unknown necessities

It was then that I realised my ED is still with me and I still feel it but it no longer dictates what I do or say.

As the world changes, hopefully, as we continue to break the stigma, it’ll become a daily discussion and not taboo.

It’s so important that we take control and create our own narrative each morning.

Dealing with triggers is something that can take a lot out of you, and so it's best that you do so with the guidance of a professional.

For as long as I can remember, Hope, you have been there in the far corners.

What I'd tell my younger self is that I battle mental illness all throughout my teenage years but it does get easier.

Let this be your reminder: YOU are enough. YOU are doing great.

This year has been an almighty challenge, a challenge only years ago you dreamt of being able to experience.

It doesn’t have to be a big gesture, just something that lets them know you’re there for them.

It might be hard at first to set these boundaries and stick to your rules, but believe me when I say that it can make such a big difference.

Voices of Hope reached out to our lovely community for some tips on getting through the holiday season - so, here they are!

You never know how much this will impact someone and could turn their whole day around. 

I hope my story helps someone else in this position as one in five kids in New Zealand have a learning disability.

Like any sneaky party-goer, my anxiety looks for an opportunity.

Within time you will be filled with a sense of peace and joy, the greatest you’ve ever felt.

I had to learn that I am not a problem for having problems. That I am not weak for needing help.

Sometimes having something good at the end of your day (or at the start!) can get us through the tough, stressful moments.

If you live with hallucinations it can be challenging, but you can find peace with it. 

Your body allows you to fight. It's fighting to keep you alive.

A structure or routine can really help to set you up for your day. 

But for me, this thought pops into my head and my brain goes into full panic.

You have to be open, flexible and truthful and, in turn, they should be as well in order to find the best solution.

Knowing how far you have come is a great achievement and you should feel proud that you have come so far. 

In all honesty, treatment and healing sucks. It's painful but the end result is so worth it.

Be honest about how you're really feeling and ask for help.

Now, I'm finally on the other side of my degree and absolutely loving my job. 

Today, I wish I was there, to tell that girl that felt like something controlled her, that she has all the power. 

We absolutely need to ensure that students are not let down during this developmental stage

After both GCSEs and A-Levels alike, the summer holidays were when I felt both terrified and carefree.

The best thing you can do is simply let your loved one know you’re there. 

I have something that I didn't have all those other times; I have a glimmer of hope.

Once this becomes routine and easier to do, you might start to notice the little things in your daily life.

Sometimes just doing something that just brings you joy can help your mental health.

To hope is to put your foot down and realise you are willing to try for that better outcome.

I am so happy I made the decision to say, ‘no I’m not okay,’ and open up. 

It isn’t shameful that what it means to ‘do our best’ each day, fluctuates. 

Take care of yourself before using a trigger as a way to understand yourself; safety always takes priority over introspection.

If you’re combating any negative thoughts around celebrating your successes, ask yourself, ‘why aren’t I celebrating myself the same way I celebrate everyone else?’ 

So, my advice on advice: explore, listen, and research, but not all advice is good advice.

I wanted to share some of the things that have been useful for me in the hopes that it might be helpful for you, lovely reader. 

I had made it through something that has, for as long as I can remember, given me incredibly high anxiety levels. I did it.

It's painful but, at other times, it's enlightening and joyful as I realise that what happened to me all those years ago was not my fault.