Happiful August 2019

Mental health
matters
Former fire dancer Sophie Lee has moulded
a movement online, asking people to re-think
what it means to be beautiful, and driving a
call for acceptance. Here, she shares the things
she turns to during hard times, and the people
who inspire her to keep moving forward
Mental health matters to me
because… mental health affects
every aspect of a person’s life.
It’s important to be happy and
confident on the inside, as other
people’s opinions and actions can
have a huge effect on us when we’re
not stable with ourselves.
When I need support I… speak to
my close friends around me, and
try to get a better understanding of
my situation, as sometimes I can
overthink a lot of problems.
When I need some self-care, I…
take time out to be alone. I
sometimes forget that I need this,
but then I recharge and revitalise,
and I’m back to my energised self.
The books I turn to time and again
are… The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is
like my Bible! I read it when I need
advice, or any words of wisdom.
People I find inspiring online are…
Munroe Bergdorf, Katie Piper,
and Steven Bartlett. They’re all
very inspirational, and have a lot
of motivational content that I can
relate to.
Three things I would say to someone
experiencing mental ill-health are…
be patient. Take your time. Life is
not a race, everything is happening
just at the right time.
Trust yourself. We often forget
that we are in control of the way
we feel, we can allow or not
allow situations to control our
emotions. Be strong.
Let it go. When we live with hate
in our hearts, the only person
suffering is ourselves. Release the
anger and you will be much happier
with whatever comes along in life.
Sophie was left with severe burns after
things went drastically wrong during
one of her performances
The moment I felt most proud of
myself is… when I get messages
from people around the world
who have found inspiration in
my story. It took a lot to put my
insecurities aside and share the
good and bad parts of my journey.
But it’s all been worth it, as I’m
proud that I could help to change
people’s lives.
For more from Sophie, follow her on
Instagram: @sophirelee