Depression Awareness Manicure

Sunday 17 August 2014

The sad news about Robin Williams shocked the world on Tuesday and sparked a lot of depression support and awareness campaigns; when I saw this image going around on Instagram in the week, I knew I had to take part...

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...I won't bore you with the details of how and why, but depression is something that impacted my young life significantly through family members, and is something I have personally struggled with (in near silence) for many years now... I was never really ready or able to face the shadows following me and I figured once I reached a good place in my life, that they would just go away. They didn't. Twelve days ago they caught up with me and I broke down. I finally accepted that I couldn't do this alone anymore and somewhat poignantly, saw my GP the same day Robin's news broke. My doctor, partner, friends, family and colleagues have been so supportive.

I am grateful. I am still fighting for the light!

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I wanted to go bold and bright with this manicure and the design just popped clearly into my head! I did two coats of the neon green and two of the neon pink. I then painted the speech bubble in a thick white polish, two coats to cover. Next I looked up a brain scan image and vaguely copied it out on to the pink accent nail using a nail art pen. Finally I added the text and outline to the speech bubble with the same pen, topcoating once dry.

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To anyone struggling with endless feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and fear; you are not alone, you have nothing to be ashamed of and there are people that can help, want to help. You only need to ask for it. I know that's a really scary prospect, but it will change things for you so please speak up.

To anyone with someone close to them struggling with depression, I know it's hard to understand but you need only be there. Just be a listening ear when they want to talk and a silent strength when they don't.

 To everyone, be kind to each person you meet, you never know what battles they might be facing.

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Models Own - Flip-Flop, Sun Hat, Barry M - Balck Nail Art Pen, Natural Collection - Nail Tip Whitener, Color Club - Topcoat

Let's all help shed the stigma and #fightforlightandlive.

Rebecca x

12 comments

  1. Well said, lovely. Keep fighting xx

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  2. Wonderful post Rebecca, am sat here reading in tears. I feel so alone sometimes and don't know where to go. Just knowing other people care means so much xx

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    1. Thanks so much Lucy. I'm sorry it brought you to tears but am glad it has touched you and that you reached out with your comment :) that's a step in the right direction! I promise that you are not alone, the Samaritans or you GP is a great place to start, just talking and being listened to unlocks some light and hope xx

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  3. we're all in it together - love xx

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  4. ♡ you are a strong young woman! Your words are inspiring! You are not alone.........miss your face! ; 0) x x x

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    1. Aww thank you hunny bunny! I know... Miss yours too :) xxx

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  5. You're definitely NOT alone. Thank you for joining those of us who speak out about this kind of mental illness. I truly believe that once you start talking about it, it draws out other people who need to talk about it, and in the end, we can hopefully all help each other.

    Proud of you for taking the first step.

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    1. Thanks Ali. I felt that sharing this mani in hopes of raising awareness would be an empty gesture without sharing my own struggle and encouraging others to do the same. I don't want to hide anymore! Thanks again :)

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  6. Fantastic post! I love your manicure. Thank you for sharing your own story. It is hard to seek help at times and often it does seem like depression is situational and will just go away when something changes. Sometimes it does not often it doesn't or other just comes back.

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    1. Thank you Pepper. As you say, I felt it was situational, but in my case it very definitely isn't!

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