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Have you got what it takes to be a mentor?

As a mentor, you will be assigned a small (and manageable!) number of mentees who have written to us asking for our help and support.

Are you patient, sympathetic and kind? Do you have a positive outlook on life? Have you been affected by depression in some way? Do you have some spare time in which you'd like to help others? Do you have access to a computer or laptop?

What makes a good mentor? Well, you probably all have ideas of your own, but the very best mentors are helpful, positive, trustworthy and able to keep things to themselves. You need to be empathetic and able to question people sensitively, as well as being able to share your own experiences in a useful way. However, the most important thing of all is to care..

You don’t even need to be qualified – as long as you have ears and are willing to listen, you’re right for us. We are confident that every single mentor will bring something different to the Blurt table. If mentoring is something you'd like to get involved with, you can apply here.

Blurt it out - some of the real life stories featured on our blog

Stop the press by Faye

Determined to beat depression by Tom

Depression and anger by Mark

Tasha's story

Jubilant June

Phew! What a month May was. It was absolutely bonkers busy - in a good way but we're not sure where to start in our roundup!

Here goes.....as well as press and radio interviews, we surpassed the big 2 0 0 0 on Twitter and the big 4 0 0 on Facebook, we love interacting with you all and are really thankful for your support. Jayne has been writing copy for a few new projects and her piece for Total Politics was published and RT'd (shared for those of you who aren't on Twitter) by MPs left, right and centre. Kerry has been busy making our social media project come to life with her magic touch (more on that next month). Dom has been processing (lots of) mentor applications, arranging fun fundraising events and we all took part in 'go the extra mile....to stamp out stigma.'

May also saw our first marathon runner, Lara Trewin run the North Dorset marathon for us in a cracking time. We are delighted Lara chose to run and raise money for Blurt. Thanks Lara, you are awesome!

Blurt behind the scenes - meet Kerry

Hi, my name is Kerry I'm 35, married and have two girls. I am a dark chocolate fiend, a very fussy eater and wannabe runner. I drink way too much tea, talk very fast and am a biker boot kinda gal. I am a member of the Blurt team - I look after our Facebook page and all the artwork and downloadable content on our website. In between my day job of being a marketing and graphics executive for a promotional products manufacturer based in Norfolk I juggle the children (not literally), 2 cats which give me more trouble than the girls and my husband (who is actually pretty special). I lived in the South of France many years ago and it is one of my favourite places to go, my Mum still lives there and my sister is in New Zealand, I would really love to take my family and go and visit her there one day.

I became involved with Blurt after coming to terms with and understanding I was suffering with depression, it was like a huge weight had been lifted once I realised what it was after nearly 3 years of battling on and hiding it between myself and Mark. We didn't really talk that much about it and to be honest Mark carried me for a very long time. He never questioned anything, if he hadn't been the supportive and caring man he is then I'm not sure how I would have coped.

Jayne got me into running, as a way of having time out for me and to help clear my head. I had never considered doing something so energetic before but now I love it and am proud to be one of the Thirty Blurters taking part in the Oxford half marathon later on this year. I am passionate about what Blurt does and stands for and since being able to talk openly about my own struggles it's amazing how many people have said that depression isn't talked about enough.

The Blurt team don't live near each other so all of our communication is done via instant messaging, emails, twitter and sometimes the results and typos can be hilarious!! There is rarely a day goes by that we don't say hi, Jayne and Dom inspire me so much. We have great days when we brainstorm for hours for new projects and can't wait to get our teeth into them and get very over excited. To know we are giving hope to others and offering a place to talk with people who can empathise and understand how they are feeling is truly wonderful.

I am on Twitter and you can follow me if you like and come say hi @RockDiva1976

Say it loud, say it clear

It's a shame that in tForFoForGood ol' Mike and the Mechanics, they don't write them like they used to.

Whilst we work hard to try to raise awareness of depression and stamp out stigma, we can't do it without your help. Which is why we've come up with some snazzy badges for your to put on your blog or website.

“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.” Bill Clinton

For some simple guidelines and to see the badges in all their glory --> shout it out.

Learn abouLRun RunRRun it out

Fancy a challenge? How does the Oxford Half Marathon 14th October 2012 sound? There are just a few spots left on our team so join up quick before you miss out.

You won't be doing this alone, we'll be on hand to support, cheerlead and even there for some good old fashioned hand holding if needed. If you're a self-confessed couch potato and think there's no way you can do it, 4 months is plenty of time to train. Lots of our runners have been following this couch to 5K training plan before starting Hal Higdon's half marathon plan in July.

What are you waiting for? Sign me up!

Stress

It's natural for anyone to feel stressed when they feel under pressure, in danger or unable to cope with demands put upon them. In fact, stress in small measures can not only motivate you but help you perform well under pressure.

When we are stressed, our body releases adrenaline and cortisol kinked to the fight or flight instinct to protect you. It can help you concentrate, give you energy and help you stay focused.

Read more .