Borders woman tells how she went from a suicide attempt to starting the Empowered Woman Project in a bid to lift the taboo surrounding mental health
Mandy Jones, 28, tried to take her own life in March - but is now on a mission to encourage conversation on mental health
"THE moment I realised what I'd done was when I first saw my mum's face in hospital.
"That really brought me back to thinking there was so much left to live for."
Blogger Mandy Jones is recounting the moments leading up to this March, when she tried to take her own life.
Two months down the line and the 28-year-old is now on a mission to encourage conversation around mental health with the Empowered Woman Project.
What started as a blog on the road to recovery has spiralled into a movement with women across the country coming together to share their experiences around mental health - from suffering post-natal depression to anxiety, anorexia and low self-esteem.
Mandy, who is from Hawick in the Borders but now lives in Dundee, told The Scottish Sun: "I’m telling other women that they’re seen and they matter.
"I just want people to speak up and open a conversation – it shouldn’t be taboo anymore.
"The reason I didn’t go to the doctor was because I didn’t know to explain myself.
"Now after going into hospital people heard me, understood me and saw me."
The former student had struggled on and off with her mental health for years, before deteriorating after her marriage broke down and she was involved in a serious fire last year.
She said: "I was then admitted to hospital where I spent a few weeks and the focus became my project.
"I basically shared my story as a blog and came up with the name - and it has grown arms and legs.
"When I think back to March and reaching my lowest point I just wanted to see me.
"I’m still recovering and my only wish is that I had asked for help sooner.
"I never realised there was light at the end of the light of the tunnel and that’s the message I want to share throughout the project.
"It’s opened up so many conversations about mental health and all sorts of ways that women are dealing with it."
Since starting the blog 10 - 20 women have shared their stories.
Another part of the Empowered Woman Project is practising random acts of kindness.
Mandy, usually alone, or sometimes with other women who have contributed to the blog, leaves 'kindness cards' in random places, as well as giving women in the street a yellow rose in exchange for them telling her one thing they love about themselves.
Mandy explained: "I basically buy cards and I write a message in them. usually 'to you, just a reminder that you’re important' and I put our Instagram on it.
"I've only heard from five to 10 but those that I’ve heard back from have made my day.
" The flowers are basically when we’ve been out and about – we hand them a flower then I say 'in exchange tell me something you love about yourself'.
"It’s pretty eye opening when people fail to say something."
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This Mental Health Awareness Week Mandy is encouraging anyone who is struggling to speak out.
She said: "Just literally say something to someone.
"Someone will care.
"To me, I thought that no-one would understand and I ran away from it."
As for the project, Mandy hopes the future will bring an Empowered Woman podcast and YouTube channel.
She added: "I don't see any end to how it will be.
"If it helps even one person then it’s been worth it."
MORE ON MENTAL HEALTH
You can get involved with the Empowered Woman Project by contributing to the blog, joining in the conversation using #TEWP or practising random acts of kindness.
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 14 - 21 and the theme is stress.
It was recently revealed that three in four Scots felt overwhelmed or 'unable to cope' due to stress last year - with one in three experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Here are the five signs that you're stressed, emotionally exhausted and on the brink of burnout.
Do you need help? Call Samaritans on 116 123 or get more info HERE.
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