Ashley Jamesさんのインスタグラム写真 - (Ashley JamesInstagram)「It's World Mental Health day today so I wanted to talk about this photo. It's weird because it's one of my favourite photos of Alf and I - we look so happy. And yet, this was one of the darkest times in my life. See, usually when we think about poor mental health we think of someone looking sad, downbeat or in tears. But what if I said my mental health was in a very fragile place in this photo? This was around the time my mind was having very dark thoughts. I actually remember sitting on the beach in paradise thinking, well if I can't even feel happy here in paradise then there really is no hope. I felt trapped. Like I didn't want to be here, but like I didn't want to leave my child motherless. Just trapped. And all of that compounded with guilt and shame. In hindsight I think there was just a lot going on. Adapting to motherhood, grieving my friend, lockdown... Regardless often poor mental health does like this. Because it's hard to share or admit you're struggling to people. It's easier to put on a brave face. Especially in motherhood. So often we hear people talk about how negative mums are. And you don't want to feel like one of those negative people. But I found opening up about my struggles connected me to so many of you guys. But it also allowed my friends and loved ones in. To be able to support me. Vulnerability is how we seek connection as humans. ❤️ But also, what really didn't help was the 'just you waits'. And that's why I feel so strongly against people saying that. When I was at my lowest and people would say 'if you think it's bad just you wait...' I honestly couldn't envision things being worse. And it could have sent me over. Luckily, things got better. So much better. I still struggle sometimes, but let's be honest we all do. And I like to think my own mental struggles have allowed me to feel compassion and empathy for others. So I hope you know that if you are struggling, it's ok. And I hope you keep going. But please know that you aren't alone. And it will get better. ❤️🙏」10月11日 4時06分