How writing about the death of my parents helped me

And how your writing can help others

My eyes began to water and a lump in my throat began to form. I was only typing my story into a word document, but it was the first time I was revisiting the death of my Mum and Dad in such a direct way.

Whenever I wrote about or shared my story, those familiar feelings would rise again… but each time I ventured toward the pain, I learnt something new about myself. I would face my fears and realise there wasn’t anything to be afraid of.

Writing and sharing my story has been the best thing I’ve done for my mental health. It’s helped me make sense of my pain, figure out the errors in my thinking, and guided me through each subsequent struggle.

But it’s also helped others.

Sharing my story has helped others not feel alone in their struggle and it’s offered them a blueprint for overcoming it. That blueprint has been exercising with friends, but sharing your story can do more.

Not only does writing and sharing our stories help us, it strengthens connection through vulnerability and offers a blueprint in another language to help someone else… Sharing stories saves lives.

You won’t be the only one

Last year saw some incredible stories of resilience. From Not my Day to Die, to Make that Call, Sometimes shit happens all at once, More than a statistic, and many more. We also have some other stories from our community ready to roll out next week.

And it’s okay to be anonymous

We know it can be intimidating to share your story, but no one has regretted it yet… and you can do it anonymously. It’s a great way to help take your first step in sharing your story, but it helps us be more aware of how we can help those around us.

But more importantly, your story might speak to someone we can’t.

Share your story

To share your story, please email hello@runningforresilience.com