People often tell me that I come across as happy, upbeat, confident and positive.  I am all of those things sometimes.

But behind my big, alien grin is a someone who has struggled with poor mental health since childhood. I'm grateful for the love and support I've had from friends and family but professional, clinical expertise has got me through some truly awful times. I still struggle. I rely on medication and counselling and have accepted that I will probably always have to be aware of the role bulimia plays in my life.  (Just to say I have NEVER admitted that in 'public' before)

Without charities such as Norfolk & Waveney Mind, so many people like me would not make it; or have to live with a truly unbearable amount of anxiety, fear, depression and unhappiness.  That's simply not on.

So on Tuesday 20th April I will be completely quiet.  Hard to fathom for those who know me. I'm hoping that challenging myself to stay silent for 24 hours will help others struggling with mental health to find their voice and seek help.

Remember, it is ok to not be ok.  
It is ok to seek help. 
It is ok to speak out.

Please do not suffer in silence. Norfolk and Waveney Mind are here for you. Norfolk and Waveney Mind are busier than ever, 60% of adults and young people who did not experience poor mental health before the pandemic are now experiencing mental health issues. I want to help Norfolk and Waveney Mind to be there for as many people as they can.