10/09/2026
R U OK? ❤️
I’ve had some really difficult periods in my life, including postpartum depression after having Isla.
She was a very unsettled and unwell baby with severe eczema, colic, reflux, kidney and allergy issues, and barely slept. As a new mum, it was a lot.
I’ve also experienced two significant periods of burnout.
Those experiences taught me something important about myself:
When I’m struggling, grieving or overwhelmed, I withdraw.
I need quiet.
I need space.
I need time to breathe.
And I’ve lost friendships because of that.
Not because I didn’t care. Not because I didn’t love people. But because I couldn’t keep showing up at the same capacity.
Sometimes we expect people who are struggling to behave in a way that makes us comfortable. We want them to talk, accept help and keep showing up.
But sometimes the most supportive thing you can say is:
“I’m here. You don’t have to reply. Take the time you need.”
That would have meant so much to me.
But I’m here talking about it today. ❤️
I’m also in a really happy and content phase of my life now, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
I can look back and understand that withdrawing wasn’t me not caring. It was how I coped when I had nothing left to give.
And I found my way back to myself.
Fitness has also been a huge part of that journey. I’ve seen how much movement and gym communities can offer — routine, connection, laughter, purpose and a reason to get out the door.
But exercise isn’t the answer to everything.
Sometimes you need to train.
Sometimes you need to walk.
Sometimes you need to sleep.
Sometimes you just need to step away for a while.
Needing space doesn’t mean you don’t need people.
Sometimes knowing “I’m here when you need me” is enough.
So this R U OK? Day, check in with your people.
And if someone tells you they need space, believe them.
You don’t have to fix them or demand that they be okay.
Sometimes loving someone means giving them room to breathe.
Their quiet season isn’t necessarily their forever.
Sometimes, when they’re ready, they’ll find their way back.
