It’s All About The Numbers
There will be a number of people out there, whether they are ‘following’ Don’t Hide or not, who are a little apprehensive, nervous and unsure about whether or not to send in their story.
The only answer I can give, is please do share, because things are already making a difference to people’s lives after only a couple of months; just think how many lives Don’t Hide can change in many more months, years and even decades.
But Sam…
This is a comprehensive list of the thoughts which might be running through your head as you contemplate sending in a story to the Don’t Hide website.
Have a read of them ALL, digest them, take a few days, or even a few weeks, the see how you feel – It might be that you then decide to send something in, but if not, there is NO pressure – These are simply gentle reminders – alternative thoughts to challenge what you might be telling yourself.
“My story is too long.”
No, it’s not. Stories submitted to Don’t Hide have ranged from just a few paragraphs to more than 4,500 words.
There is NO word limit. Some experiences can be shared in a few paragraphs; others need much more space.
Don’t worry about making your story longer or cutting out important parts to make it shorter.
It’s your story – use as many or as few words as you need.
“Nobody will read it.”
Yes, they will – and we have the statistics to prove it.
Over time, each story will be read multiple times by people who may relate to your experiences or simply need to hear that they’re not alone.
You may never know who your words reach, but just think how many people your story could help. One story can make more of a difference than you realise.
“I don’t feel comfortable using my own name.”
That’s okay – it’s completely understandable. Mental health can cover a wide range of topics – from domestic violence, to suicide, to post-natal depression and other sensitive topics. Using your real name might be a little too exposing.
Don’t Hide stories are able to be published where authors identities can be using real names, pseudonyms or even anonymous names.
“I feel people will judge me.”
It’s completely understandable to worry about what other people might think.
But your story isn’t something to be ashamed of. What you’ve been through, how you’ve felt, and where you are now are all part of your experience.
You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with – and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.
The person reading your story may not be judging you at all. They might simply be thinking, “I thought I was the only one.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
You don’t need to have it all worked out before you begin.
Start anywhere. A moment, a feeling, a memory, or simply what life feels like for you right now.
It doesn’t need to be perfectly written, and it doesn’t need to be in the right order. Just write it as it comes. Sometimes the hardest part of telling your story is the very first sentence.
“I’m not very good at writing and explaining how I feel.”
You don’t need to be a good writer. You just need to be you.
Write it in your own words, however they come out. It doesn’t need to be perfect, polished or beautifully written.
We can help tidy up the wording while making sure it still sounds like your voice and your story. What matters isn’t how well you write it – it’s what you have to say.
“It might bring difficult memories back up.”
Writing about difficult experiences can bring back thoughts and feelings you’d rather not revisit, so there’s no pressure to share anything you’re not comfortable with.
Take your time. Pause if you need to. Leave out anything that feels too difficult to put into words.
Your story belongs to you, and you decide how much of it you want to share. Sometimes putting an experience into words can help – but your wellbeing always comes first.
“I don’t feel like I’m ready.”
If you’re not ready – that’s okay – take some time and think about it. Sharing your story should happen when the time feels right for you.
Come back when you feel in a good enough headspace to reflect on your experiences, the difficult times you’ve faced, what helped you through them, and what you might say to someone going through something similar.
There’s no rush and no pressure – your story will still be here when you’re ready to tell it.
“I’m worried about potential consequences.”
It’s completely understandable to think about how sharing your story could affect you, your relationships, your work, or other people mentioned in it.
You’re in control of what you share. You can leave out names, places, identifying details or anything else you don’t feel comfortable making public. You can also choose to share your story anonymously.
Take your time and think about what feels right for you – you can tell your story without having to tell every detail.