To quote the Beatles famous hit ‘Let it be’,
“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be”
This song really resonates with me as it’s telling me a story. Everyone will interpret the song in several different ways but from my perspective I interpret the song as telling me that we cannot control everything. Some things are out of our control and that is ok.
The restrictions of the last year and a half have in no doubt put a massive strain on the mental health of a number of young people, not just within the network of Rural Youth Europe, but across the globe. As individuals we sometimes overlook life’s bigger picture and focus in on the small details and forget that life is one big puzzle that we must try and figure out ourselves. Everybody is different and everybody will be going through different challenges at points in their lives.
The stigma around mental health is not anything new and its nothing to be ashamed of. It has to be commended that over the last two or three years, a number of member organisations have joined forces with mental health charities to set up campaigns focussing on the needs of young people and never has it been more needed than now.
Please remember “It’s Ok not to be Ok” and it’s always good to talk. Whether it be a quick phone call with someone you speak to everyday or an hour’s chat with a friend that you haven’t spoken to in a long time, sometimes all it takes is to hear a friendly voice at the other end of the phone.
Niall Evans
Vice Chairman, Rural Youth Europe
Cymru / Wales