ghostofgaysgoneby.

This time 5 years ago, I was contemplating leaving uni but felt trapped with no prospects.

This time 4 years ago, I was dealing with the loss of my Nan, a pain that will never heal but has turned from grief into amazing memories that will last a lifetime. Alongside this, I was in a relationship that I always thought would last forever but that had started falling apart.

This time 3 years ago, I was genuinely happy. I'd just passed my PT course, had a dream job, had what at the time was an amazing relationship.

This time 2 years ago, I should have been happy. I had an amazing job and had been promoted. But I wasn't, I was stuck in a situation I didn't know how to get out of.

This time 1 year ago, I was a mess. I still had my dream job but several factors meant there were more stressful days than pleasant. I'd just come out of a long-term relationship which was the right thing but at the time felt like hell, and I felt completely lost.

Today... I've been to work, come home happy and spent the evening with my girlfriend in "our" place before she went to work. I have the excitement of becoming an Auntie for the first time coming up in a few weeks and the excitement of knowing I've found someone who I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Believe in change. If you are in a situation that is ruining your mental health, that can be changed... Change it. Trust that things get better and speak up on the days you feel alone.