There's Always Light at the End of the Tunnel

Youth Central Ireland is a group of young students who are dedicated to raising awareness of youth mental health. I was introduced to this group at the beginning of my exams so I didn't really have time to write about them in the beginning but I made a promise to highlight their work on my blog and they really do deserve some recognition. So as part of their work to raise awareness of youth mental health they held a Duck-a-thon. From the pictures on the website it looks like a great day was had by all and a lot of work had been put into the planning of the event. The idea of a duck-a-thon may seem like a simple idea but this simple idea had the ability to create smiles all round. The event helped to raise some much needed awareness for youth mental health but it also did more, it brought the community together in the process. Not only that but they raised money which all went to Headstrong as part of o2's Think Big programme something myself and my friends have had ...

Today I got mentioned in a tweet by Ciara who writes the blog, such a silly sausage  . I was told that I had been nominated for the shine on blog award. This is basically where bloggers nominate other bloggers for this award in order to recognise other blogs by passing on the award. This is the first time I have ever heard of this but it was nice to see that someone reads my blog and actually likes my blog and thought enough of me to nominate me for this Shine on blogger award. So thanks you Ciara for this lovely gesture, it really does mean a lot to me! I learned that there is actually rules for this award which I thought was strange but after reading what the rules were I thought it was actually a really good and interesting idea. So the rules are: Display the award logo on your blog Link the award back to the person who nominated by thanking them State 7 things about yourself Nominate 15 other bloggers for this award, and let them know they have been nominated So ...

At the end of this month, exactly 14 days from now myself and my family will be going on an adventure to Florida. This year there is nine of us going, myself, Paul, Shane, Dad, Amy, Tom, Bernadette, Adam and Mark. I have been looking forward to this holiday ever since we booked it and as it gets closer and closer I grow more excited everyday. With only 14 days to go I have so much to get ready between cleaning the house, packing and of course making sure Lilo settles in with the family of friends she will be staying with but I also have to manage to finish my leaving cert!! Only one exam left to go now and to be honest I'm tired of waiting for it to come, I just want to get Spanish over and done with. As soon as I step on my plane to Florida everything to do with exams, points, grades, the leaving cert, result, viewing of scripts, college courses, books and study will all be forgotten about for sure!! I may be looking forward to this holiday and with a plan like this there is no ...

Often when we are feeling low and have no motivation to do anything it can be hard to do simple everyday tasks. It can be hard to get up in the morning, get dressed, make dinner or even stay awake. Looks aren’t everything but sometimes making yourself look nice or putting on a bit of make-up can make you feel better. Yeah it may take some effort in getting up and putting on one of your favourite outfits or doing your hair in a way you like it most but it is believed that if you are happy with how you look on the outside you will feel better on the inside. I know myself that sometimes just wearing my favourite hoodie helps me when I’m low, not because I like it but because of how it makes me feel and how I feel about the way I look when I wear it. My sister-in-law Amy has been with me every step of the way through my depression. One of the things that I admire most about her is how no matter how she is feeling she always puts effort into how she looks and well I have often notic...

Today I celebrate my mam's birthday despite the fact she is not here with me today. This year I decided to show people how much she means to me I would post a little poem on my blog. Happy birthday mam, this is for you!                                                                                                                        My mother, my friend so dear A loving smile to guide my way The sunshine to light my day Without you, my life would be filled with darkness You may not be here But I always know you're in my heart  Showing me the way To happiness and peace I lost a mother with a heart of gold But you're spirt still lives on Bringing a smi...

This day three years ago saw my first ever suicide attempt. Each year I dread this day and especially this year. This day three years ago I was preparing to sit my junior cert and yet again I am preparing to sit state exams. Sitting alone in my bedroom I had just finished writing my note, what I hoped to be my final note. I wrote it a thousand times to make it perfect I couldn't give my family anything less than perfect. I placed it under my pillow; I knew they would look under my pillow eventually. I grabbed a towel from the hot press and went back into my room. Shutting the door slowly trying not to make any noise. I didn't want anything to ruin my plan, I couldn't let anybody come into my room, I had put too much planning into this for something to go wrong, it all had to be perfect. I sat on my bed, my legs crossed and glancing out the window I took a deep breath, I was ready. After spending the day with my brother and dad I was ready, I was ready to take my own life...