10/10/2026
⸻
🌍 World Mental Health Day 2026 💚
Today means a lot to so many people — but especially to our family. Nova wanted to share her story and explain why this day matters so deeply.
8 years ago, at just 13, I had my first panic attack after losing my nana. It was terrifying — I didn’t understand my emotions, didn’t know how to cope and felt completely lost. After a round of bereavement counselling, I thought I was okay again… but I had only buried it.
Fast forward to 3 years ago, working in care at 18, I faced constant violence from patients and had little to no support from the team around me. My world crashed. Night terrors. Panic attacks. Not leaving the house. Feeling guilty for not being able to “cope.” Life felt too heavy. Too dark. Too much.
I was passed from one place to another while my mum sat helpless, trying everything she could as I screamed at 3am thinking someone was coming to attack me. Then finally — one doctor listened. Really listened.
I’d already tried counselling before, but it hadn’t gone deep enough. That’s when I started EMDR therapy. It forces you to face everything — the trauma, the breaking points, the moments you think you won’t survive. It was painful. But it saved me. It helped me rebuild my life piece by piece… to become the loud, cheeky gobsh*te behind the bar today who can run every shift thrown at her.
But here’s the truth — therapy alone didn’t save me.
It was:
🍺 Going for a quiet pint
🗣️ Having real conversations
❤️ Someone asking twice if I was okay
Because let’s be honest — we all lie the first time.
And to now, 3 years on, i’m starting a management course, give more abuse behind the bar than is probably allowed and laugh loud enough so people know it’s me
I would not be here without the people who stood by me. Friends. Family. Strangers who became safe places. Community saves lives. Connection saves lives.
⸻
This post isn’t for sympathy. Most people reading this will have had no idea what I’ve been through — and that’s exactly the point.
You never know what someone is carrying.
Be kind always. Check in on your loved ones. Ask twice.
And if you are struggling right now — please don’t give up on yourself.
Fight for the help you deserve. Keep pushing, even when it’s exhausting.
There is a way back. You are never, ever alone. 💚
Our doors are always open for anyone and everyone needed that vital pint to start those conversations
not just a pub
⸻
