The thing about depression and anxiety is you never know when it hits. I have it very bad today. The worst in a year. I didn’t take either of these pics myself but to anyone looking I seem healthy, full of life and smiling. On the inside is pain and an aching body. I share this because so many people walk around with it and hide it too. Things couldn’t be going better for me. I have the dream life helping dogs, I have great family and friends and I don’t focus on possessions and am at ease with myself. I’ve a book, people say nice things about me everywhere in comments and messages and I’ve suitcases full of dog presents and cards people gave me. But still the dark cloud can descend. I’m thinking about the people who don’t have all those nice things and who are also struggling. That’s why I wanted to write this post. Depression and anxiety can happen to lawyers, sports stars, musicians, the person at the supermarket check out or your family members. It can happen to us all and many feel they have to hide it and battle alone. I’ve tried to stay positive today but I had to leave a restaurant after going for a burger to try cheer up. I got a panic attack and left to come home and go to bed. The simplest task like walking across the room feels like a challenge. The dark clouds of doom just came in from all sides from nowhere. If you’ve felt that before you know how horrific it is. I couldn’t stop in the shop for a chocolate bar because of fear. The simplest task suddenly too daunting. I’ll rest and ride it out. I’ve had a busy time and a lot to deal with but it always passes. Ill do all the right things (especially avoided alcohol) to make sure I’m back on track asap. This is just a post for anybody out there who gets this. I’ve lots of followers now and I thought maybe I should just shrug it off and post a happy dog video I have from last week to cover it up. But this is real life. We can all suffer from depression and anxiety and we can all beat it and I hope by sharing my own little battles it might help someone. We’re all in this together and if you are lucky enough not to have battles do check on someone who you might think needs it. That can be an absolute game changer. Big love ❤️ Niall