Head Shave for Mind Charity

"1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year"

This year for my birthday I would like to do something for other people and rather than receiving cards or presents, I am going to shave my head on the 11th August to raise money for Mind Charity.

For most of my teenage life and early 20's, when people asked what I wanted to do with my life I said, "I'm going to die at 25, because I will have done everything, I've had a job, been to college, been to school, paid bills and there is nothing I want to do with my life so might as well just go at 25, there  is nothing I enjoy" I just sort of felt I was plodding along with no real purpose or reason. 

This year is my 26th Birthday and I no longer want to die, I have plans and I am working on myself with the help of family friends and counselling so I would like to give something back so no one else has to be alone and be thinking "whats the point". Of course there are still "bad" days when I struggle to get out of bed and find motivation but I am getting better at overcoming these. There is nothing wrong with  still having the odd bad days in the mix, this is just part of the process. 

This head shave is not only about raising money for Mind charity, it is also a symbol or re-birth or starting again. I haven't died at 25, and I no longer want to so this is me starting my life again in a way; in a better and more positive mental state because of the support I have received.  Also, it is a way to make an "invisible" illness, visible. Just because you cannot physically see mental health problems, does not mean that they are any less debilitating than a broken leg for example.

Mind Charity believes that nobody should face a mental health problem alone. "We need your help so we can be there - on the other end of the phone, in local communities and campaigning hard for better services and support."

I have been affected by mental health myself and have family and friends that have been and still are affected by mental health issues and no one should have to deal with that alone, that is why it would be amazing if you could donate even just a pound instead of getting a card or a present for me this year so that Mind can continue to help everyone that they can and ensure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support they need to get them through the bad days. 

Thanks folks :)