It was a crisp autumn morning, and Stella was standing at her window. She was watching leaves fall softly from the trees, forming a vibrant polychromatic carpet. A gentle breeze brushed against her skin, and the sky above stretched out like a gold and crimson tapestry.

It was World Mental Health Say, a significant day for Stella. Not long ago, she had struggled from depression. The sky turned a gloomy grey, and Stella began to reflect on her journey. Every day, she would put on a brave demeanour, fake smile, and make sure her face was not betraying her feelings. Stella had tried to keep her emotions inside, and not bother anyone by asking for help. However, it only took one night for her feelings to overflow, for her to break down.

And so, Stella began attending therapy. There, she learned to slowly open up to a therapist— someone who didn’t judge her. Stella found out that it was okay not to be okay. With each session that passed and each word she spoke, Stella started to feel hopeful again.

On this year’s World Mental Health Day, Stella decided to host a small get-together to share her story. She wanted to help others who suffered from anxiety and depression, so she decided to invite all of her neighbours and friends to her home.

As the sun slowly set behind the horizon, people began to arrive. Stella took a deep breath and spoke about her struggles, her voice shaking, yet firm and hopeful. She told them about therapy, and how much it helped her get back on her feet.

Others were moved by her story, and it encouraged them to share theirs. One by one, everyone opened up. Some spoke of losses, others of anxiety, and others of pressure.

Warm light spilled into the room as the night got darker. Stella looked around and was relieved to see everyone laughing quietly, their faces lit up lamps around the room. The faces looked peaceful, almost serene. She beamed with pride, happy to have helped.

Later that night, Stella was standing in her garden when she heard footsteps approaching her. Turning around, she spotted a young woman walking towards her, her eyes glistening with tears. “Thank you for sharing your story,” she whispered. “I’ve been struggling for so long with depression, and hearing someone share the same experience made me feel much better.” At this, Stella smiled, and reached out to hold the young woman’s hand.

“We’re in this together,” she replied. “You’re not alone.”
 
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World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10. It serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by individuals worldwide. On this day, we come together to advocate for mental health support and to acknowledge the importance of mental health.

Stella’s story instantiates the power of talking about your problems, and getting support from others. When people share their struggles and their journeys, they inspire others to step up and seek help. It reminds them that they’re not all alone and that many have had similar experiences. This is particularly important in a world where mental health issues are so often hidden behind closed doors due to societal stigma.

“The experience I have had is that once you start talking about [experiencing a mental health struggle], you realise that you’re actually part of quite a big club.”
– Prince Harry

Mental health struggles are common in everyone, regardless of their status, age, background or circumstance. The World Health Organisation (W.H.O) estimates that one in four people are affected by mental health issues at some point in their lives. Despite this, many people still feel alone in their struggles, and have difficulty asking for help. World Mental Health day encourages people to raise awareness, educate the public and promote the idea that maintaining good mental health is a shared struggle.

Now, here are some ways you can celebrate World Mental Health Day:
Organise A Mental Health Seminar
Practise Gratitude
Practise Self-Care
Advocate for Mental Well-Being
Meditate
Offer Mental Health Benefits
Share Experiences
Show Acts of Kindness
Send Gifts To Others
Reach Out To Loved Ones
Organise Sociable Virtual Activities

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Just like Stella, everyone has the ability to overcome their struggles. Each story shared reminds us that behind every smile lies a world of emotions, waiting to be acknowledged.

Talk about your struggles. Don’t drown in them— rather make them drown in you. Don’t let your feelings and your emotions dominate you. Know that you are strong, you are brave, and you are important! Never think of yourself as useless, because you’re not. Someone out there considers you to be important, and you ARE dear to them. Remember, it’s in our shared struggles we find help, so don’t be afraid.

As Albus Dumbledore once said: “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” This quote reminds us that in unity lies great strength. By sharing your stories, you’re not only helping yourself, but also others. You are much stronger than you know, and you matter! Mental health is just as important as physical health. Whenever you feel like you’re struggling, just know that you can do this, and you will.

Take care of your mind, body and soul. Give yourself at least 6 months to get into the habit of practising self-care and self-love. Delete those apps, block those numbers, wake up earlier, get dressed up, eat healthier, journal, have spa days, and exercise. This is your life. Do what you need to get better, and love every aspect of it. No more waiting. Be the person you’ve always wanted to be. Forget excuses. This will not be like other times— you will change, this time your mental health will improve, and you will see the results. I believe in you, and you should too!

Before you go, I’d like to finish off with one final quote:
“Remember that your mental health is a priority, your inner peace is essential and your self-care is a necessity.” - Unknown

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Written by Marlee Potter.
Edited by Daphne Clarke.
Proofread by Hazel Antler.