The first time trying anything can be difficult, but I've found it's often the small things that make a difference to how manageable that process is.

I was really anxious when I first started driving, for example, but at the same time I was quite excited as well as I wanted to learn something new. I had an overwhelming sense of fear that I was going to hurt someone, but my driving instructor reassured me that everything was going to be okay and there was no way I could hurt someone because he had control of the car as well - to know this really helped settle my nerves. Taking one small step at a time, I slowly started to pick things up and the fear of hurting others disappeared. By the end of my driving lessons I felt a real sense of achievement.

When I first talked about my mental health there were some aspects of this experience which related to when I was first learning to drive. I was very nervous about talking about it but it was something I felt I needed to do.

I had built up to talking about it for quite some time because the thoughts I had were starting to eat away at me. I was also very worried about upsetting those close to me. I was reassured that talking about how I was feeling was the best thing to do and I was told that I could speak to someone when I felt ready, so there was no pressure to tell someone straight away. This made a huge difference because I felt as though someone cared, and that someone would listen to me.

When I finally managed to speak to someone and I explained everything, people were often kind but didn’t always know how to help - something which would have made a difference was being signposted to places I could get support. It's a small thing, but just like my driving instructor helped show me the way, family and friends can do that for people they love too. I believe it would have taken me less time to recover if I'd had that.

If you're thinking of talking about your mental health for the first time, the advice I would give them is to try and find someone that you feel you can trust, such as a friend, family member, doctor, colleague, etc.

If you don't feel you can talk about it, it might help to draw or write down how you're feeling instead.

The earlier that you speak up the better things will be because you will be able to get the help and support that you need. The most important thing to remember is that people do care.

Even just taking someone out for a coffee and talking to them about how they are feeling, going to the cinema or going out for a walk can be really beneficial to them. After all, it is the small things that make all the difference.

Rebecca