Mental Health Awareness Week: Why I Shared My Story

In 2016, during Mental Health Awareness Week, I made a video. A deeply personal one. One that, for many years, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to create.

It was about mental wellbeing, the importance of talking, and the reality behind the smiles we see on social media.

At the time, I had already come a long way—I was smiling, I was confident, I was happy about life. But before that?

I wasn’t.

I had struggled with depression, insecurity, and uncertainty about my future. And like many people, I had kept a lot of it to myself.

Why I Made the Video This Way

I chose to create the video in a simple but powerful way—by holding up cards with words on them, set to music.

Why? Because sometimes, words spoken aloud can feel too overwhelming. Writing it down felt like a clear, direct way to communicate a message that needed to be heard. It allowed me to share my experience in a way that was both personal and universal.

Holding up cards instead of speaking also mirrored the experience of struggling with mental health—when sometimes, you don’t have the words, but you still want to be understood.

Why Most People Don’t Talk Their About Mental Health

We live in a world where people mostly share the highlights.
✔ The fun nights out.
✔ The big achievements.
✔ The moments of joy, excitement, and success.

But what about the low points? What about the times when life feels heavy? When sadness lingers? When getting through the day feels like a battle?

Most people don’t talk about that. Not because they don’t care, but because it feels uncomfortable, difficult, or even shameful. But the truth is: mental health is just as important as physical health. And struggling doesn’t make you weak.

It’s Okay to Struggle—
And It’s Okay to Ask For Help

In the video, I said:

“It’s okay to be down. It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to feel helpless.”

Because it is. Your feelings are valid.

But I also said:

“It’s not okay to stay there for too long.”

Because no matter how deep it feels, you don’t have to stay stuck. I know how hard it can be—I’ve been there. And when you’re in it, it feels like nothing will ever change. But it can. And it does.

The Importance of Reaching Out

When I was going through my hardest times, I was fortunate to have people around me who supported me, listened, and believed I could get better. Not everyone is that lucky. That’s why I made the video. That’s why I’m writing this now. Because if you’re struggling—I want you to talk to someone. Even if it feels impossible right now.

– Reach out to a friend, family member, or therapist.
– Let someone in.
– Trust that things can get better.

I made this video because I want people to talk.

I want people to understand that mental health isn’t just an individual struggle—it’s a collective one. The more we talk, the more we normalise these conversations.
The more we listen, the more we support those who need it. The more we understand, the more we create a world where no one has to suffer in silence.

So this Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s:
✔ To check in on ourselves and those around us.
✔ To talk about the tough stuff—not just the highlights.
✔ To remind people that they are not alone.

I love you all, and I am forever grateful for the people who stood by me when I needed them most.

Take care of yourself. Take care of each other.

💛 Happy Mental Health Awareness Week 💛

– Andy