The journey: Mind your mind

It's been a week since my vlog (which you can see here.) The response has been simply amazing. The site has recorded a 10 fold rise in traffic which is ace. But the real win has been the handful of people who have reached out to get help after watching it.

It was a scary thing to do - but funnily, it wasn't talking to a camera about my story that was so scary. It was clicking 'publish' on the blog that I really wrestled with. But I rationalised that if it helped a single person, it was worth it. And it's certainly done that. I've had more than a handful of people who have messaged me to let me know that they're going to get some help. Half of the battle is admitting to yourself that you need it.

A friend who I've know for many many years got in touch for a chat. They'd been suffering in silence for some time and didn't know what to do. It's resulted in a meaningful conversation that's strengthened our relationship, added new dimensions to a great friendship and most importantly, got them some support.

A couple of colleges have also been in contact to ask for a chat. This is a major step and a big success. The corporate world can often be void of much needed emotion, and can push people to breaking point. Having the opportunity to forge a work-friendly conversation about how we feel has been empowering. In my current workplace, we really focus on safety - which got me thinking... You see signs to 'mind the step' or 'mind the gap'. We tell people to 'mind their business' or 'mind their language'... But we never tell people to 'mind their mind'.

How can you possibly be looking out for your own health and safety, and that of the people around you, when the most important tool you have in your arsenal, your own mind, is fried / distracted / blank / numb / racing / anxious / low / exhausted?

You don't have to publish your inner thoughts and feelings as I've done. I started to feel better the moment I talked to a counselor. Putting it in writing via a diary or private blog has also been hugely helpful. All that said, I'm so pleased that the vlog has positively impacted other people lives, and I've been left humbled by the outpouring of appreciation and support for sharing my story.

You'll imagine my joy at logging onto twitter to see this:

My great friend and long time hero James Davis (aka MGAlzheimers ), who's an aficionado of rare commercial vehicles as well as lovely old sports cars, has decided to sell of one of his van projects and donate the funds to Mind. An incredibly generous gesture.

So you'll see more about 'mind your mind' in the future. It's really exciting to see how this project is growing. To all of you that have read, shared, and talked about this - Thank you.