Oops, I have totally overshared with the Internet… or have I?
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 
16 Comments
Does that graffiti say NHS ?
Yesterday I wrote about something that happened 5 years ago. I did not expect to get as much personal sympathy as I did and in a way it made me feel awkward. I wrote that post because Mumsnet’s campaign needs human faces, but I know that there are many who view this as writing to get attention.
I realise that one has to draw the line somewhere in how much is shared with the world, but I also think that a lot of things we all go through we would cope better with if we only shared them with someone else.
Too many people spend too much energy putting on a perfect facade. Often that does not end well. In the end of the day we all have lives that are hectic and complicated,and we all look like crap without make-up after an interrupted night of sleep (well, maybe with the exception of Miranda Kerr) – why pretend that we are perfect and strong and can handle everything on our own??
I believe that the world would be a better place if everyone learned to talk about what’s going on inside them. It doesn’t have to be publicly on a blog, it can be through writing poetry or songs, or talking to a therapist, or a friend or a significant other, the main thing is that if there’s something that is bothering you, it will only do you more harm if it stays hidden inside… (however, don’t dump ALL your issues at once on a friend or a significant other either – there’s only so much another person can handle at a time)
Little by little, keep your loved ones informed… or if you don’ thave friends or family like that, talk to strangers – there are many support forums out there, there’s also a wonderful website called blurtitout.org where you can get in touch with a mentor online and share your stuff.
It must be exhausting to pretend that you’re perfect (just look at the effort that goes into Kim Kardashian’s make-up!)
Share, peoples, share! ;)
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- Read Lori’s blog at Random Ramblings of a SAHM – she lost her husband because he kept it all inside
- Read American Resident’s post on writing only about the perfect stuff in your life vs writing about it all.
I couldn’t have said it better. I use my personal blog to talk about lots of things including my battle with depression. It helped me and I believe others as the posts I write about depression are read and commented on much more than the others.
Nobody’s perfect and the more we all talk about depression, the more ‘normal’ it will be for others to talk about it and slowly, we’ll hopefully tackle this silly stigma.
Thank you also for the mention of Blurt, we really appreciate it.
No problem, I think Blurt is a great idea. Just a little tip though – I found it tricky initially to find out where on your site I could actually blurt i.e. contact someone or vent somehow :)
Very good post. And particularly relevant this week, since it was World Mental Health Day on Monday.
Talking through our problems make them easier to bear, and prevents an issue-ette developing into a real MH problem.
Wow, I’m all relevant and on board with the latest events :)
Lovely post, and you’re so right. If only people did feel it was ok to talk about what’s really going on more, we may have fewer unhappy people. The benefits are not just for the person who needs to talk but for others who can learn from listening (reading).
Thanks for the shout out :)
No problem, I have to say I looked at PW’s website and didn’t stick around – it doesn’t look like a personal blog…
I think more people should speak out about sensitive issues. Last April I wrote a post for the Leaky Boob as part of sexual abuse awareness month. Yes, I was sexually abused as a child. I was nervous about actually writing it down but when it was published there was no going back. The number of emails and DMs I received was overwhelming and made me cry. SO many women came out and told me their story. Some had never told anyone before. Some said I gave them strength to talk about it. It achieved something.
Thank you for sharing your story – I can’t relate but I am sure millions can and will appreciate your honesty.
Wow, that’s full on… I can imagine how receiving personal messages makes talking about such personal things totally worth it.
I have finally got here! so sorry it took so long. I love this post as I have recently fallen out with a large group of friends due to my openness and belief in being honest. Sometimes the truth hurts but it’s better out than in right?
Off to check out Mumsnet as haven’t been there before – see you soon I hope
It’s hard when our friends from the “real world” don’t quite get the whole thing of being open… I do have some very secretive friends as well who think it’s madness to have a blog, but so far they just let me be and haven’t excommunicated me :)
Nope, no oversharing, just slow readers (I’ve fallen behind in my blog reading)! Both the first post and this one were heartfelt and open; I so admire you for sharing all this.
I just hope it does some good….
You know how sometimes you’re browsing at a store, and it’s row after row of the same items, only maybe in a different color or pattern? And then you see something that’s totally off the wall and NOT like all the rest and you’re all “I have to have that one!”?
Your individual life experiences – your highs and your lows – those are what make you uniquely, beautifully, you. Why cover your beauty trying to be just like everyone else?
The story of your miscarriage experience shines a whole new light on the person you are, and it only makes you more beautiful. If I’d been in that room, I would’ve given you a hug. I would’ve let you cry on my shoulder. I’m sorry no one helped you when you needed nothing more than compassion.
I think that this is the most beautifully written comment I have ever received in my 6.5 years of blogging :)
i wanted to nominate your post about your story but can’t find it. did you delete it?
I have been meaning to bring it back – here it is:
http://www.crankymonkeys.com/blog/mumsnets-better-miscarriage-care-campaign-and-a-very-personal-story-2/