We must talk. We must change.

After a lovely relaxing week away, I thought I would be full of energy at work today. I had visions of myself bouncing around and everything. However, I seem to feel just as tired as before I went away....yawn.

How did that happen? (Answers on a postcard please.) 

Anyway..highlights of last week included...

• Feeding a giraffe (yeah, my hand was covered in gooey giraffe slobber, but I didn't care!)
• Seeing a baby elephant (I wanted to take it home but Mr B wouldn't let me.)
• Facing my fears and riding a big scary ride called the BLACK FLY (I have to write it in capitals so you can grasp just how scary it was.)
• Taking Mr B horse riding, and enjoying a lovely hack over the countryside together.

From these highlights you may think that we've been on a safari, or perhaps to Florida or some such exotic place, but no, we went to sunny Shropshire. And it was great. We also managed to spend some time with our extended families which was lots of fun.

Bit of a change of topic now, which hopefully wont be too controversial (just to keep you on your toes.)

Although I didn't get very much phone signal whilst away, I did hear the shocking news of Robin Williams' death.

My facebook news feed and twitter account were suddenly full of articles concerning suicide and mental health. 

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I didn't read any of them. (So really, I am making something of a contradiction in writing this, I do apologise.)

I feel like I should have.

But its just too hard. 

Because it takes me back to that place. To that day.

....................................................

I'm so glad that people have been able to share articles concerning mental health, and that through the tragedy of Williams' death, perhaps others may be helped.

However, I want it to be known, to be remembered and realised, that every suicide is a tragedy.

It is not just the celebrated and awarded souls that are secretly tormented. Its also the people around you.

 One in four of you.

The guy in the office who finds it difficult to talk to others.

The girl at the bus stop with her sleeves covering the cuts she's been making on her arms.

Every suicide is one too many.

Every suicide is a tragedy.

Every suicide is an illness.

We must talk.

We must change.

xxx