Hi I'm Kayleigh, and I'm 25. Kaylee's blog I've always found it hard to speak out. I always knew I had issues within myself, and I've always felt a let-down to my family that I didn't fit in. I never felt I could speak to my mother as I automatically thought she would judge and be disappointed in me. The prospect of being mentally ill was daunting and scary I just wanted to feel normal. I was scared of the person I was becoming. When I did speak out it was hard and emotional; I first had to accept that I needed help, and that that help was available.

Speaking out definitely helped me

The first chat I had with my mother about my mental health I was so nervous – I wanted to be accepted. I was afraid that I wouldn’t get my mother’s approval, but it turns out that I had nothing to worry about - the support from my mother has been truly amazing. We sat down together and she listened to how I felt; there was never any pressure to open up and we did things at my pace. I was never rushed to speak out if I wasn't ready or didn’t feel up to it. Speaking out definitely helped me – yes, it's scary and you do feel you are going to be judged, but it's a step into the right direction. Giving yourself goals or something to focus on helps as well, things like diary writing, blogging, listening to music. For me, I like to dance - I put my emotion into my movement and allow my body to just let go and feel the moment whether I'm sad or happy.

Taking that first step helps

I know now after speaking to my mother that I am normal - I just need a little help. I’m happy to say there’s nothing wrong with needing a little help; we all need it from time to time. The support is out there. Taking that first step helps, whether you speak out or write a letter. How you take that step is up to you - do what makes you feel comfortable.

I have come to be happy with the person I am and I am getting stronger and stronger each day. It's been a rocky road, but I don't feel scared to speak out and I know it's fine to have bad days, and it's OK to have a little cry if I need to.