Mental Health Blog, Day 4: Talk to someone: Friends, family, partner or professional

Sometimes, we need to talk. In fact, it’s good to talk regularly about how we are, especially if we’ve been having a hard time, and to seek comfort and support. Sometimes, all a friend wants is to vent, or express themselves – they don’t always need advice, just a listening ear from a caring friend is so helpful. Often, time and love from other people are enough for us to get through anything.

Having friends is important to self-esteem, and we will often need each other in times of crisis, or through tough times. Connecting with your friends and regularly seeing them is great for your health.

Loneliness can become a real problem, but there are ways to meet new friends. New hobbies, the meet-ups app, a new job, and dating if you’re single can all be ways to meet new people. We don’t have to spend our lives alone indoors feeling isolated, there are so many cool people out there waiting to be your friends. 'Your vibe attracts your tribe'.

If our mental health is ever at a low point, knowing when to ask for professional help is vital. It’s better to ask for help ASAP, and ahead of time, as NHS waiting lists for counselling are sky high. It can take up to 6 months, so ask early, and get on the waiting list if you’re struggling. If you feel you need to speak to someone now, or are feeling incredibly low, depressed, hopeless, or even having a panic attack, you can access help. Many of these people are purposefully out there with the kind goal of helping people, they’re there for you: Samaritans, your local crisis team, local charities like Saneline, CALM, The HopeLine, The Focus Line, your G.P. and even 111 or 999 if you are ever feeling suicidal. Make the call, and if someone doesn’t help enough, call the next one, give each new person a chance to help.

Giving your life the opportunity to heal is absolutely necessary. Never, ever, ever give up. People love you and need you, always. One day you will look back at this dark time as history, something you conquered, and with a smile on your face, know how strong you are. Fight your way out with love and hope, and believe that it will get better. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy, by believing it will get better, your thoughts extent to action, and action influences your life. Believe in yourself, that no matter what happens, you can survive, and live life well again.

Many people go through awful experiences at some point, but don't talk about it for whatever reason. It's hidden. Yet many of us show the good times, social media enforces this, but it's not a reflection of reality. Many people suffer, and get through those times! We do it all the time. The way it feels when you're going through it, won't be how the rest of your life feels. Every war people have suffered through, has ended, and better times will come. 'Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise'.

Norway Quest Travel Blog, Day 4:

Finally enjoyed Bryggen in the sunlight today and got the tram to see Fantoft stave church, which is a striking design, made of wood, and originally dating to around 1150. However, the church today is a reconstruction, as in 1992 the original was burnt down; it is suspected that this was started by an arsonist from the Norwegian black metal scene. What a shame, to destroy history and heritage like this. Viking style carvings inside depict serpents, warriors, and in the centre Christ on the cross, so there was an interesting mix of imagery which blended older Norwegian pagan heritage with Christianity, which was more recent (~130 years) to Norway at that time.

We then headed back to Bergen and climbed Mount Fløyen which was apparently infested with Trolls and witches but we got lucky this time. There were some odd sights at the top, a group of goats with neon lighted collars, but no herder, roamed around bleating, and creepy wooden troll carvings stared us down from the hills. A funicular railway was able to take us down, but not before we enjoyed the beautiful views from the top, with the sunset and city lights reflecting on the water at night.