Cindy Marron

Why i'm walking

It was March. I was at rock bottom. Totally burnt out. Nothing left in my tank. I felt like an empty shell, merely existing, in survival mode, barely getting from one day to the next. I'd been running on empty for longer than I could remember, and I couldn't do it any longer. I organised to take leave from my workplace. I used all my sick leave and half of my long service. It hurt as I had never intended on using my leave that way. Long service leave was meant for adventure and exploring the world but I knew I had to get myself right again. Despite what part of my brain was fighting to tell me, I knew that my family needed me, I knew there were more good days and experiences to come. It was a deep dark pit, and it scared the shit out of me to see the bottom of it. For someone who's used to being the bright, bubbly, positive and energetic one, it was a really difficult place to be. However, I've never been known for being quiet 😜 I began shouting it from the rooftops. I'm not okay! I need help! Admitting that you're not okay is a really vulnerable place to be but it's worth it. I'm incredibly fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive family and network of friends. I relied on them heavily to help drag me through. I sought professional support, accessed online resources and read everything I could about burn out, depression, stress and anxiety. I wasn't going to go down without a fight. Not everyone is as fortunate. Not everyone has an invested cheersquad. Not everyone can see better days coming. Not everyone has the finances to take the time out and access the same professional support. Those of you who helped me will have my eternal gratitude. You know who you are 🩷 So, now it's time for me to step up and help raise funds to support other Aussies and to increase mental health education and awareness. If you can afford to donate, thank you. If it's not within budget, that's totally okay too, I simply ask you to spread kindness. It's free and you never know the difference you just might make to someone's day. 😊🙏🏻🩷 Finally, please don't ever suffer alone. Shout it out. Ask for help. Flick me a message. Call me. It's okay not to be okay. You are not alone. Xx Share