So, it's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and someone said to me that I was always cheerful and I just wanted to share my story a little.

At 16, I went through some health problems, wiped out my GCSE and lots of my 'A' level times with them and saw my life plan change a lot. (1)

What I thought would be just wasn't possible anymore and I retreated a lot from the world, and half way through Sixth Form I started my first anti-depressants. I've been off them a few times, but it's never ever felt like it would be permanent. For me I to need them, in... (2)

...the same way my body now needs insulin injecting. When I've kicked back against it and thought "I can cope without them..." I've plummeted, and been grateful for professional help. I had an excellent GP in Tamworth, and a good counsellor who I spoke to. I've also had... (3)

...some rubbish counsellors who've made me struggle even more. My mental health is absolutely linked to the state of my personal relationships, my work life, my physical health. Three days of crap blood sugar means my mental state takes a huge hit. (4)

Medication is not a failure. Neither is admitting weakness. I've tried a variety of antidepressants. Some really didn't work, some made me worse, but right now they're helping me, especially with the way that furlough is getting to me. Life is not easy for anyone... (5)

...especially now. We've built hospitals and bought ventilators, and I hope and pray that as we inevitably need them we'll invest sacrificially as a nation in mental wellbeing, but if I'm honest I'm sceptical. For me, I hope tomorrow will be ok, but things (& some people)… (6)

..will send me down my helter-skelter of decline faster than you can say Geronimo. I'm so grateful for people who are my lifebelt - those who I grab onto when the water is choppy. There's no facemask to keep out mental health problems. But there are tools, some work... (7)

...and some don't for me. How I feel is different to how anyone else feels and deals with it, cos we're all unique. I'll always listen to those who need it, & be shaped by what I've been through. I've been on meds for about 17 of the last 20 years and I don't see it changing. (8)

It's part of me. It's no less a part than the colour of my eyes or the uncontrollable nature of my hair. I can't change it, but I can try to take care of it. I'm a percentage & a statistic. But I'm also a real person. My faith is a big part of me but I dont have all answers. (9)