This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek I've been really thinking about the only thing that kept me in teaching when my own mental health was at its very lowest point due to a vicious, bullying headteacher who made a job I loved a toxic place for me to be. If it weren't for 1/

My brilliant support system, I'd have left teaching. Moved back home, done something else. But I'd be so unhappy, so anxious still. I made it through with the help of my friends, family, colleagues and gorgeous other half (who was only new back then). 2/

It was so important to me to have people that reminded me that, no matter what that awful 'leader' said or did or how she made me feel, I was worth more than that. It wasn't easy. It took a long, long time for me to regain any confidence in myself as a teacher. 3/

But I am so lucky to have had them, and to collect more along the way (shout out to @Nicola_M_N_, @MissAimeeLanny, @mrs_c_mozza and my other brilliant colleagues!). I know I'm a lucky one. I know not everyone has that. So PLEASE. Please know that I am here. 4/

My DMs are open, you can send me a message, I am always here to listen. Because I know what it's like to not feel heard, to feel your opinions don't matter, and so many other things. But if you can talk to someone about it, it just might feel slightly less heavy.

I was just about to apologise for my tweet vomit, but actually, I think it's important we share these things. Because if even one person sees it and feels they can come talk to me, that will be a great thing.