Over 12 days in the lead-up to Christmas, I’ll be writing 12 posts all about boosting your wellbeing…

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

12 quotes to inspire and live by, 11 song lyrics and movie quotes to boost and motivate, 10 websites for when life gets tough, 9 ways to de-stress, 8 ways to improve your low mood, 7 mood boosting foods, 6 ways to show yourself some love, 5 ways to stop people pleasing, 4 good ways to get moving, 3 ways to pass on some love… and

2 inspiring stories!

When you’re suffering from a mental health problem, it can really help to know you’re not alone in going through something like this. Reading stories on Mind and other websites really helped me come to terms with my problems and realise you could come out the other end.

I have chosen the two stories which personally inspired me the most.

Frankie Bridge from The Saturdays. As a young woman in her twenties with a good family, job, solid group of friends and enough money to enjoy life, I often beat myself up for feeling anxious and depressed.

What did I have to be sad about?! How selfish to burden others with bigger problems!!

I was so surprised when I found Frankie’s name as a Celebrity Ambassador on the Mind website and read her story. I couldn’t believe that someone with such a ‘perfect’ life had suffered from anxiety and depression. Honestly, it was such a relief to know someone like her could suffer from the same problems I was going through. Even better, she got through it and came out the other side. She is a true inspiration for young women in my opinion – read her story here.

Stephen Fry. Highly intelligent and hilarious (!), Stephen Fry is the President for Mind Charity. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 37 years old, and has spoken out about attempting suicide in 2012.

He didn’t understand what the massive highs and lows he was experiencing meant for so many years. Although his situation was extreme compared to mine and many others, the key similarity is there. People suffering from mental health issues often don’t even realise what is happening until a long time after the problems begin.

Being so honest and open about his experiences inspires others, including myself, to help reduce stigma surrounding mental health and take action. The more we talk, the more people will realise what is happening to them, that it is a serious issue, and will hopefully take action to begin their recovery.