First of all, I'd just like to say HAPPY PRIDE!

This isn't really an update about my life or any of that boring crap. It's just an important message that I need to remind you all of!

-You should never feel forced to come out. If anyone tries to pressure you into coming out when you don't feel safe or comfortable, it's wrong. You do so when you are ready. Not when other people tell you to.

-Relating to point number 1, you don't ever need come out. Just because it's pride month or whatever doesn't mean you should feel any need to come out when you aren't ready.

-You don't need to label yourself. I know questioning can be very hard and, to some people, finding a label may be relieving but a label isn't everything. It took me a very long time to figure out that I'm pansexual and before I put that label on myself, I just said I liked everyone! I, even now, am struggling with my gender. I have never really put a label on myself for my gender because... I don't know? No label feels comfortable, I guess. I feel much more comfortable just being me rather than letting a gender define me. I haven't told many people about my struggle with my gender identity because I'm still figuring stuff out!

-You can change what you identify as. Just because you came out as bisexual doesn't mean it's set in stone. You can change your mind later on if you find yourself attracted to only the same sex or only the opposite sex.

-Most importantly: YOU ARE VALID. Whatever you identify as, whether it's relating to your sexuality or gender, it is valid.

Those were all relating to pride but I have a few more things to say more relating to mental health:

-You are important and it is okay to put yourself first sometimes. It isn't selfish to say no to going out with a friend because you aren't feeling the greatest mentally. It's okay to spend the day watching Netflix and eating ice cream instead of talking to other people.

-If you are going through something hard, it will get better. I can assure you it will. You may be doubtful but things will improve eventually. In the great words of Jacksepticeye (I very nearly called him the PMA king and... can that please become a thing??): "Everything will be okay. Maybe not today; maybe not tomorrow but it will be eventually". Whilst I'm referencing Jacksepticeye, he also said: "Storms don't last forever" which is true and it reminds me of England's Eurovision song this year so it's a doubly great quote.

-Sometimes you just need to take some days to focus on yourself. Take a day to just chill and watch anime. Or read books. Or literally just lay in bed watching YouTube all day. Whatever makes you happy. I, personally, watch a lot of YouTube, watch a movie, or do some drawing or something ^-^

-You are strong and I am proud of you. I'm sure a lot of other people are too. You are extremely strong for making it this far and I completely believe you can get through whatever you're going through. I know it is hard but you can do this!

-You are loved. Believe it or not, there are people out there who do love you.

-You are not alone. There is always someone you can talk to. There are so many people on the internet who, although they may not know you personally, are willing to talk to you. If you feel lonely or upset, there's always someone you can reach out to. I'm always here if you want to send me a private message! Keep in mind that people on the internet aren't trained on things like mental health so if you are feeling extremely depressed or experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is highly recommended you seek professional help.

-You have so much potential. You have the ability to do anything you want. Because I love throwing in a good YouTuber quote, here's one of my favourite quotes from Markiplier: "There's so much untapped potential that you have yet to see; you're chipping away at the artist inside of you and you just need to keep digging until you can see the whole picture of what you can do". With a lot of hard work, you can achieve almost anything.

-Suicide is never the answer. By choosing this escape route, you are only hurting those around you. I might as well throw in a CrankGameplays quote here: "I know it might be hard but you've got to keep fighting; you have to keep going. If you give up then you're eliminating the chance of it ever getting better". If you take your own life, you will miss out on so much. You'll never get married (if you want to get married that is); you'll never see your younger sibling(s) grow up (if you have them); you'll never graduate; you'll never get a job you really like... You'll miss out on so much.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are harming yourself, you should reach out. People will be willing to help you and they can send you on the right track to getting better or learning to cope.

Here are some helplines that are available if you are having suicidal thoughts:

If your country isn't here, a quick google search should assist you on finding a helpline for where you are.

Please don't suffer in silence.

People do care and they will be willing to help. You can do this, okay? I, along with many others, believe in you.

I'm not feeling good at all today so I just wanted to send out this message. I have never been diagnosed with depression but I've experienced suicidal thoughts and have harmed myself in the past. I know how hard it is and I am still struggling with self harm but I am getting better. I felt utterly hopeless for such a long time but I got through it. There were quite a few occasions where I was very close to acting on thoughts but I never did and I'm so glad I didn't. I may still be struggling and not very happy but things are slowly getting better. It will eventually get better for you too.

I, along with many others, believe in, love and support you. No matter what you're going through, you can do this.

*hugs everyone who wants hugs*

<3