Chanelle Hayes has shared a string of tear-soaked selfies in a bid to highlight mental health as she admitted: “I’m not fine.”
The former Big Brother star urged her 120,000 Instagram followers to check in with friends and family in case they are hiding their struggles.
Her brave message that “conversations save lives” coincided with Mind and Rethink Mental Illness ’s ‘Time To Talk Day’.
Alongside the no make-up selfies – including one which showed her hair had fallen out - Chanelle wrote: “If you’re anything like me this is how your conversations go: ‘Hi how are you?’ ‘Oh, I’m fine thanks, you?’
“Sometimes I’m not fine. Sometimes I want to blurt out all my different problems and have someone just listen and not judge. But whenever I get that chance, I just say ‘fine’.”
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The 35-year-old reality star explained: “Today is #TimeToTalkDay run by @mindcharity and @rethinkmentalillness... this day needs to be recognised by all of us I think.
“Everyone’s problems are different, but sharing with someone can help to lighten the load.
“Check in on your friends, touch base with your family, nip round to the neighbour... anything. Ask them ‘how are you?’ And if they say ‘fine’ ask them again.”
The mum-of-two continued: “To those of you feeling lost, scared, unsure and unable to communicate how you feel: if someone asks you how you’re doing today, please don’t say ‘fine’.
“Conversations can change lives. Conversations can save lives.”
Highlighting what help is out there, Chanelle added: “If you feel like you have nobody to talk to, there are listening services all over the UK.
“@samaritanscharity call 116 123 open 24 hours a day. There are lots of other listening services for all different groups of people who would like to try to have a conversation with someone.”
Chanelle’s followers were quick to relate to the heartfelt post, with many writing comments detailing their own mental health struggles.
One wrote: “I’m sick of saying ‘I’m fine’ when in actual fact I am not f***ing fine.”
Another said: “I know the feeling very well. I have to deal with it on my own. Friends don’t care, lost so many and can’t talk to my family about it. Just have to get on with it myself.”
While a third commented: “This week has been horrific, I feel so so lost and so empty. I cry. I cut myself off from everything. It’s a dreadful week... but I’ve actually no idea why, nothing in particular has happened, just a bad week. Sending my love.”
Last month Chanelle – who chooses to post real selfies showing her actual life over filtered pics – admitted she felt “a little lost”.
She added: “Soooo many people are sad at this time of year. I bet so many of us are, but behind our screens and through our feeds we paint a different picture. I just wanted to post to say it’s ok to feel overwhelmed, there’s no need to hide it, and so I’m not... if you’re feeling like this too, you’re not on your own.”
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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