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I say it every September, but when my mental health is poor, ‘are you ok?’ is probably the worst thing to be asked. A thread of things that have helped me, that are definitely not universal (1/5) #RUOKDay
1. People being vulnerable in sharing their own mental health struggles gives me confidence that they understand and that I can share how I’m feeling (2/5)
2. People being specific in sharing what they appreciate about me helps to counter the ‘people would be better off without me’ thoughts (3/5)
3. People who manage to relentlessly maintain contact, engaging me on things we mutually care about, even when they’re not getting much back (these people are just downright gems) (4/5)
4. If you’re VERY close to me, gently asking whether I’ve thought about seeing my GP, getting meds re-started/increased, therapy. I probably have, external validation from someone who sees me regularly (5/5)
...oops... external validation *helps*
Props to my gorgeous sister who read this thread and immediately messaged me to tell me the things she appreciates about me 
