Each year on October 10th, we raise awareness for mental health worldwide. This year’s theme is mental health at work, an often overlooked but severely necessary topic. As someone with a history of mental health struggles, days like these hit close to home for me, and I’d like to take some time to raise awareness for it by doing what I love – painting my nails.
*Trigger warning: mention of depression, mention of narcissistic abuse. *

As many people, I have struggled with depression in the past. Growing up, I dealt with issues by becoming isolated. Luckily enough, even though I became a survivor of narcissistic abuse later on in life, I found a great therapist to help me understand my brain, and I slowly got out of the mental state I was in at the time. Nowadays, I volunteer my free time to creating a safe space for victims of narcissistic abuse, which provides me with a lot of gratification. I’m happy to have turned the awful experience I lived through into something that helps others, providing them with resources and tools to be able to leave safely.

My green nails aren’t just symbolic; they’re also a sign that I consider myself to be an ally for those in need. If you ever need someone to talk with, know that I’m always available for a chat. I’;m not a therapist, and will not provide advice whatsoever, but I’m happy to be a listening ear if you need it. Alternatively, I’d like to recommend 7Cups, a platform where volunteers are ready to listen to you if you feel the need to talk to someone.
Please know that whatever you’re going through, help is always an option. If you’re in Belgium and are looking for help, this site provides a lot of local resources.

Shown are three coats of Trend It Up 171.