This week we are acknowledging and celebrating Anti-bullying Week; the theme for 2022 is ‘Reach Out’.
It is when we are struggling that we can feel most alone. We convince ourselves that people will not want to hear our worries. We decide that our struggles are small or insignificant compared to those of others. We may find ourselves feeling like we are the only one who has felt this way, so no one would understand. It is when we feel at our lowest that our minds can be most unkind to us by creating these thoughts…but they are not true.
When you are struggling, the bravest thing that you can do is reach out for support. Even if you can only find the two words to say: “I’m struggling”, there will always be someone who will help you to continue the conversation and be the person that you can talk to or help you to find the next step towards support. Give yourself permission to reach out for help and give your friends and support network a chance to show up to support you when you need it.
The practice of reaching out builds connections in our community. It enables us to support each other when we need it and normalises asking for help. Not one person goes through life without needing support from someone else and often, the most valuable thing you can do for your own wellbeing is reach out to someone when you need help, and in turn be the one that reaches out to another when they need your support.
A kind word can be someone’s lightbulb in the dark. A kind gesture can make someone feel seen, heard and valued. The simplest acts of compassion and connection can be the ones that make the biggest difference. So, reach out to others and help to make our community a place where nobody needs to struggle alone.
