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By Olly, Ingeus Youth Voice Ambassador
Mental health is something that affects every single one of us. Whether we're having a great day, feeling stressed about exams, anxious about the future or dealing with something much deeper, we all have mental health.
Yet despite how important it is, I still don't think it's talked about enough, especially among young people. Too often, people struggle in silence because they're worried about what others might think, or because they feel they should be able to cope on their own.
I know this because I've been there myself.
It was during the first Covid lockdown in 2020, when I was 15 years old, that I realised my mental health was beginning to deteriorate. Like many young people, I suddenly found myself cut off from friends and family members outside of my household. The isolation was difficult, but what affected me most was losing a friend who sadly took their own life.
That experience had a profound impact on me.
As time went on, my thoughts became increasingly negative, and I found myself struggling in ways I hadn't experienced before. Looking back, one of the hardest things wasn't what I was feeling but feeling like I couldn't talk about it.
Ironically, I didn't want to tell anyone because I was worried about worrying them.
So, I did what many people do. I masked how I felt and tried to convince everyone, including myself, that everything was fine.
But pretending you're okay doesn't make difficult feelings disappear.
On the outside, I might have seemed fine. On the inside, I wasn't.
The more I kept things to myself, the harder things became. Eventually, I realised I couldn't carry those thoughts alone anymore. That became my turning point. I realised I had too much to lose and too many people who cared about me to continue struggling in silence.
The first person I spoke to was a friend. To this day, I'm incredibly grateful that I did.
They listened without judgement, offered support and simply gave me the space to talk. Looking back, that conversation was probably the most important step I took. While professional support and therapy also helped me, there was something incredibly powerful about opening up to someone I trusted.
That experience taught me a lesson I'll never forget: talking helps.
One of the biggest misconceptions about mental health is the idea that people can simply "cheer up" or "get over it". Mental health doesn't work like that. If it did, nobody would struggle for long.
The reality is that mental health is complex. No two people experience it in exactly the same way. What helps one person may not help another. Some people experience anxiety, others depression, loneliness, stress or burnout. Some people may be carrying challenges that nobody else can see.
That's why it's so important to remember that what someone shows on the outside doesn't always reflect what's happening on the inside.
Someone can be smiling, laughing and appearing confident while quietly struggling.
This is particularly important for young people, and especially young men. There are still stereotypes that tell boys to "be strong" or keep their emotions to themselves. Although attitudes are improving, those expectations can still make it difficult for people to ask for help when they need it most.
But asking for help isn't weakness. In my opinion, it takes real courage.
I also understand that speaking up isn't always easy. For some people, particularly those who are neurodivergent or experience social anxiety, opening up can feel incredibly difficult. The fear of judgement, misunderstanding or stigma can be overwhelming.
But the most important thing I've learned is that you don't have to deal with everything alone.
That support might come from:
Once you've spoken to someone, support can start to be put in place. Whether that's talking therapy, practical coping strategies or simply having somebody listen, it can make a huge difference.
Today, I'm doing much better than I was during those difficult years. I haven't experienced those same thoughts since, and I know that if I ever struggle again, I have people I can turn to.
Being a Youth Voice Ambassador at Ingeus has also played a huge role in my growth. It's helped build my confidence, improved my wellbeing and given me a real sense of purpose. I get to be surrounded by other like-minded young people who all want to champion youth support and use our voices to make a difference. Being a part of something, feeling like I can make a difference, and having this community provides a lot of benefits for my overall wellbeing. I'm much more open with people now than I used to be, and I've learned that sharing experiences can help others realise they're not alone.
I guess that’s why I felt so passionate about writing this blog and putting my story and advocacy for mental health in young people out there. If one person reads this and it helps, that’s amazing. If one person reads this and it builds awareness, that’s also amazing.
At the time, I genuinely believed I was the only person feeling the way I did. I now know that's simply not true. There are people who care about you. There are people who will listen. There are people who want to help.
Things may not change overnight, but speaking up can be the first step towards feeling better.
And if you're concerned about someone else, don't underestimate the power of a simple conversation. Asking someone how they're really doing and listening to their answer could mean more than you realise.
Mental health affects all of us. The more openly we talk about it, the easier we make it for others to seek support when they need it.
You don't have to struggle in silence.
If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please seek support.
Samaritans
📞 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day)
🌐 www.samaritans.org
Shout
📱 Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential crisis support
NHS 111
📞 111 (and select the mental health option where available)
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