Having known people who are very close to me, who have been diagnosed with mental health issues including depression and anxiety, as well as having my own personal dealings with depression, I can't express enough how important this issue is. Without delving too much into my own personal issues, I'd like to offer this bit of advice to anyone who suffers from mental health issues:

Talking to people is important. It may seem the most terrifying thing in the world and you may freeze just before you let it out, but it will be a huge step forward if you do. If you can't afford professional help, your friends and family will always be there for you. I can promise you, no matter how much you think you're bothering them, you are not, and they will listen to everything you have to say and be there for you.

Never be afraid to ask for help, no matter how little or great the task.

Yes, it is okay to cry both in public and in private. If you need to let it out, let it out. There is no shame to this.

Try to go outside and do things. It helps to distract yourself from time to time.

There is nothing wrong with having or needing some alone time. If you need it, take it. You don't have to explain it.

And yet if we communicate, we can often be that small but crucial influence on a life, that will tilt the balance for the better between devastation and hope.

100 Voices was published in the Hot Press Mental Health Special in conjunction with Lyons Tea and Pieta House as part of the Now We're Talking Campaign. For more please visit hotpress.com/now-were-talking/