A Reminder & The signs we often miss 🌼

Before You Give Up On Today

If you're reading this, I'm guessing things might feel a little heavier than usual right now. Maybe you're overwhelmed, maybe you're exhausted from pretending you're okay, maybe you're carrying something you haven't told anyone about, Or maybe you don't even know what's wrong. You just know that something feels off, and you're tired of feeling this way.

Whatever brought you here, I'm really glad you came. Before you read anything else, I want you to stop for a second and remember this:

You do not need to have your whole life figured out today. You do not need to fix everything overnight. You do not need to become a different person by tomorrow. Right now, your only job is to get through today. That's it. And if today feels too big, get through the next hour. If the next hour feels too big, get through the next ten minutes. One step at a time.

Step 1: Tell Someone What's Going On 🌼

I know. This one is hard. Maybe you're worried about being a burden, maybe you think nobody will understand, maybe you've convinced yourself that what you're feeling isn't serious enough to talk about. But carrying everything by yourself is exhausting. You don't have to explain everything perfectly, you don't need the right words. 

Sometimes all you need to say is: 

"I've been struggling lately."

Or: "I'm not okay."

That's enough.

The people who care about you would rather know you're struggling than watch you suffer in silence.

Step 2: Stop Fighting Every Thought 🌼

When we're struggling, we often spend all our energy trying to force our feelings away. We tell ourselves to stop thinking about it, to stop feeling it, to just get over it. But the harder we fight our thoughts, the louder they often become. You don't have to like every thought that enters your head, tou don't have to agree with them. But you also don't need to fight every single one. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is acknowledge how you're feeling and remind yourself:

"This is difficult right now, but it won't feel like this forever."

Step 3: Focus On Today 🌼

Not next week. Not next month. Not next year. Today.

When life feels overwhelming, our minds have a habit of throwing everything at us at once. Every problem, every fear, every worst-case scenario. It's too much for anyone to carry. So shrink your world for a little while.

  • Have a shower.

  • Drink some water.

  • Open a window.

  • Go for a walk.

  • Eat something.

  • Text someone. Or call someone.

Do one thing that makes today slightly easier. Small things matter far more than people realise.

Step 4: Speak To Yourself Like Someone You Love 🌼

If your best friend came to you and told you they were struggling, would you call them weak? Would you tell them they're failing Would you tell them to just get over it?

Of course not. You'd be kind, patient, understanding. So try to offer yourself that same kindness. You NEVER need to prove that you're struggling enough before you're allowed to ask for help because you’re are human, and humans need care.

Step 5: Do One Small Thing 🌼

Not ten things. Not everything. Just one thing. One message. One meal. One walk. One conversation. One deep breath. One small step is still a step. And sometimes that's how we get through the hardest days. One tiny decision at a time. One foot in front of the other.

Before You Leave 🌼

I don't know your name. I don't know your story. I don't know what happened before you found this page.

But I do know this: You have survived every difficult day that has ever found you. The days nobody knew about, the nights that felt endless, the moments you sat with tears in your eyes and still somehow got up the next morning, the times you felt completely alone, the times you smiled so nobody would ask questions. YOU survived all of them, and somehow, after everything you've been through, you're still here.

So, maybe you don't feel strong right now, maybe you're tired. Maybe you're carrying things that nobody else can see. But the fact you're here reading these words tells me something important - There is still a part of you that hasn't given up, a part of you that still wants things to get better. So please hold on to that part. Be gentle with yourself tonight.

And if nobody has told you recently, I'm proud of you for making it this far. Because some of the bravest people in the world are not the loudest, they're the people quietly fighting battles nobody else can see and choosing to keep going anyway.

And if that's you...

I'm really glad you're still here. 🌼

Signs to look for and how to help:

If you’re reading this page because you’re worried about somebody, thank you! It takes kindness to notice when someone doesn’t seem themselves. It takes courage to reach out, to learn, and to try to understand what somebody might be going through. In a world where it’s easy to walk past someone’s pain, choosing to stop and care about another person is something truly special. The reality is that many people struggle in silence. Sometimes the signs are obvious, but often they’re hidden behind a smile, a laugh, or the words “I’m fine.” That’s why learning what to look out for can make such a difference. The signs below are some common indicators that someone may be finding life difficult. Not everyone will show the same signs, and everyone’s experience is different, but recognising even one of them could be the reason someone feels seen, supported, and less alone.

While I’m not a mental health professional and this page is simply intended as guidance, you’re always welcome to contact me through Dear Daisy if you’re worried about someone or have noticed signs that aren’t mentioned here. I’ll do my best to help point you in the right direction.

 

Remember - never underestimate the impact that caring about somebody can have. Sometimes, knowing that someone noticed is the very thing that helps a person keep going. 🌼

They start pulling away from people

What it may look like - They stop replying to messages, cancel plans, spend more time alone, or seem distant from friends and family

How you can help - Reach out without pressure. Continue to include them, even if they regularly decline invitations. Stay connected through small gestures such as checking in or inviting them to activities without pressure. Consistent support can help them feel valued and less isolated.

Next steps - if their isolation continues or worsens, encourage them to reconnect with trusted people and seek support from a counsellor, teacher, doctor, or mental health professional.

They seem different

What it might look like - Their personality appears to change. They may become quieter, more emotional, irritable, withdrawn, or unusually distracted.

How you can help - Pay attention to patterns rather than one-off bad days. Create opportunities for them to talk and let them know they don't have to face things alone. Avoid making assumptions or dismissing changes in behaviours.

Next steps - if the changes persist for several weeks or begin affecting daily life, encourage them to speak to someone they trust or access professional support.

Changes in sleep

What it might look like - sleeping much more or less then usual, struggling to get out of bed, constantly feeling exhausted, or frequently mentioning poor sleep.

How you can help - recognise that sleep difficulties can be a sign that someone is struggling emotionally. Encourage healthy routines, regular sleep schedules, exercise, and reducing stress where possible. Also try contacting them late at night to remind them to get some sleep.

Next steps - if sleep problems continue for a prolonged period or significantly affect daily functioning, encourage them to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

They lose interest in things they used to love

What it might look like - They stop participating in hobbies, sports, social activities, or interests that once brought them happiness.

How you can help - Continue encouraging involvement without forcing it. Offer opportunities to participate in activities together and celebrate even small steps towards re-engaging with things they enjoy.

Next steps - if this loss of interest continues and affects multiple areas of life, it may be helpful for them to seek additional support and explore the reasons behind these changes.

 

They seem more irritable, angry or emotional than usual

What is might look like - Not everyone shows they're struggling through sadness. Some people become more frustrated, short-tempered, emotional, or easily upset. They may snap at people, seem constantly stressed, or react strongly to small situations.

How can you help - Try not to focus only on the behaviour itself. Often, anger and frustration can be signs that someone is carrying more than they can cope with. Approach them with patience rather than judgment and give them opportunities to talk if they want to.

Next steps - If these changes continue over time or begin affecting relationships, encourage them to seek support and talk to someone they trust.

Their school work or daily responsibilities begin to suffer

What it might look like - They start missing deadlines, skipping classes, struggling to concentrate, losing motivation, or falling behind in areas they previously managed well.

How you can help - Offer practical support where possible. Help them break tasks into smaller steps and encourage realistic expectations rather than perfection. Recognise that struggling to cope with responsibilities may be a sign of something deeper.

Next steps - If their difficulties continue or worsen, encourage them to speak with a teacher, manager, trusted adult, counsellor, or healthcare professional.

Signs of self harm

What it might look like - Unexplained injuries, frequent excuses for cuts or burns, always wearing long sleeves even in warm weather, or becoming secretive about their body. They may also seem overwhelmed, emotionally distressed, or disconnected from others.

How you can help - remain calm and avoid reacting with shock, anger, or judgement. Let them know they deserve support and understanding. Listen carefully and take their feelings seriously.

Next steps - Self-harm should never be ignored. Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult, parent, school safeguarding lead, counsellor, doctor, or mental health professional. If you are concerned about their immediate safety, seek support from a responsible adult or emergency service straight away.

They seem to have lost hope

What it might look like - They become increasingly negative about themselves, their future, or life in general. They may stop making plans, lose motivation, withdraw from goals they once cared about, or seem unable to see any positives ahead.

How you can help - continue reminding them that difficult periods can change and that support is available. Encourage them to stay connected with people who care about them and help them focus on small, manageble steps rather than trying to solve everything at once.

Next steps - Persistent hopelessness should always be take seriously. Encourage them to seek support from an adult, counsellor, doctor, or mental health professional. If you believe they may be at risk of harming themselves, seek immediate help from a responsible adult or emergency services.

Other signs you’re worried about?

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“Never underestimate the power of showing up for someone. What feels small to you could mean everything to them.”

With love, Daisy 🌼