In light of International Women's Day, a day of celebrating the empowerment of women, it only seems appropriate to acknowledge
women's mental health
For so long, women have been put into boxes, suppressed and reduced, subtly subdued by society until we're quiet.
We're told we are 'too much'.
Too loud or too quiet, bold or shy, fake or natural, independent or dependent - this has considerable implications for our mental health.
Female oppression can lead to a feeling of decreased self-worth, fear of being judged, called a 'psycho' for expressing our emotions and then being told we're over emotional, to cheer up, smile more.
When women choose to challenge this, some pretty good things start to happen.
There's movement and growth, we can get back all that we always had to begin with.
We realise we are strong.
We can be strong and soft, emotional yet powerful. We can be wild and brave but caring and considerate. We are courageous and capable of greatness.
When women speak up about their mental health, they are helping to break the stigma. It's a way of reaching out, being vulnerable and powerful and accessing the support needed to fully understand what you're truly capable of.
By supporting each other, we only grow stronger.
I'm fortunate to be surrounded by incredible women, who have shaped me to be proud of who I am.
They've helped me to grow and recognise that everything I could ever need, I already possess.
I intend to follow in their footsteps and stand on their shoulders.
Let's break the stigma, be open and make no apologies for who we are.
Women make the world go round, we have infinite value and there is enough room for all of us to take up as much space as we want.
No need to shrink down into boxes. We are big and beautiful and here to stay.
☼ may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them ☽
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