Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, I really appreciate it. Mental Illness is sadly something which effects millions of people around the world, with numbers only increasing each day. Although more awareness is being created, much more needs to be done, to not only support those who are struggling with mental health issues, but also reduce the stigma attached to such difficulties. By reducing such a negative connotation of 'mental health problems', it is with great hope that those struggling will feel more open and able to speak up when help is needed, and fight this terrible illness which so many people have to deal with. 

I myself have always struggled since I was a child with certain mental health problems, especially anxiety and OCD. I understand first hand the difficulties it creates in life, and how much understanding and a helping hand really means. Not only this, but people very important to me have also experienced such troubled times, and continue to do so due to mental health problems. So many people around us suffer, yet not everyone has the help they so desperately need to overcome such sad and difficult times. 

It is because of this that I have decided to participate in a 2.2km ocean swim for the charity 'Rethink Mental Health'. A smile can hide a multitude of mental health problems, but in time that smile fades and sometimes it's too late to help. But with the help of charities such as RMH, hopefully we can all learn more about this terrible illness and be there to help those who are so desperately in need. Whether it be small or large, any donation will be greatly appreciated. If you're not in a position to donate, even just reading up on mental health, and checking in on your friends to check they're okay is one step forward that everyone can make.

Thanks for reading :) Beth X

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.