Everyday should be mental health day, but it’s important we put a day aside to acknowledge our mental health as young people and open up the conversations to raise awareness across the UK and further afield. Mental health must be recognised and accepted the way our physical health needs are. Everybody experiences mental health and therefore we must take care of it. So, imagine navigating all these hormones, changes, stresses of educations, friendships, relationships, work and then throw a bereavement on top of that.. I mean how are you expected to cope?!
As a bereaved young person, I want to share with you some top tips on how to care for your mind:
You have to feel it to heal it… and that’s including your grief,
Its only you inside your head, be kind to you,
No matter how difficult this part of life feels, there is hope ahead and that hope doesn’t need to be found alone,
Everyone’s grief journey is as individual as a snowflake, never compare your grief to others,
Don’t allow anyone to decide how you should feel in your grief - the loss if yours and yours only,
Take care of your mind how you would your body when you are unwell,
If you feel angry, disappointed, guilty or frustrated in yourself.. think back to childhood you, think of the words you are telling yourself and the thoughts you are having - would you want the younger version of you to feel this way,
There is only one very special you in this world and how blessed are those in your circle to know you - never forget the purpose you have, even if it feels heavy.
Please know you are never alone today or any day in your grief or in navigating your mental health. There are so many amazing organisations across the UK ready to help, here’s some below:
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/
SHOUT: https://giveusashout.org/
YoungMinds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
You can also contact us at Hope Again as a bereaved young person anytime on: hopeagain@cruse.org.uk
