Why?
Because I've struggled with mental health issues for a long fucking time, so I know firsthand the powerful conversations and education to be had surrounding mental illness, what it is, who experiences it, the signs and symptoms, and how to support our loved ones going through it.
But did you notice it's not “Mental Illness Month”? It's Mental Health Month, and just like we all have physical bodies… we all have a mind and soul that need attention, care, and love. Mental Health Month is not just about bringing awareness to mental illness {which is crucial}, but also about having the conversations about prioritizing your mental health and understanding how to take care of yourself.
My mental memo 👇
I've experienced most of my life with a mental illness, although I wasn't aware it was a mental illness until I was 21 when I was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety disorder. I went through a really traumatic event at 8 years old, resulting in the loss of my baby brother. As years went on, I never understood how my mental health was affected by grief and trauma at a young age. Fast forward to 21, and I found myself in an extremely unhealthy state–depressed, unhinged, fantasies of suicide, and unsafe behavior. Fast forward another few years to 25–my anxiety was finally debilitating me, resulting in ER visits, physical attacks, holter monitors, and anxiety/heart medication.
Sharing that isn't to pour my burden on you, or victimize myself, or make this a who-has-it-worse contest. I share that to show you that happy, successful, goal-oriented, healthy people can struggle too.
For a long time, I didn't know how to deal with my anxiety and trauma because I was embarrassed. I didn't feel I fit the “typical” signs of mental illness {and newsflash btw: it comes in all different shapes and sizes}. I thought asking for help would make me weak. I thought being anything less than my best would disappoint everyone around me. I was embarrassed people would think I was begging for attention. I was so concerned with what other people thought of me that I missed out on asking for help in some seriously dark & shitty places in my life.
Here's the thing, First name / friend. If you're struggling, you're not the first one to struggle and you're not the only one struggling. Secondly, this path is not meant to be walked alone. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed and need support or you know you're walking through something deeper and darker than just stress and normal life anxiety, ask for help.
Help doesn't only come in the form of therapy, or medications, or support groups {which can all be very impactful}. They can also come in the form of self-care, a listening ear, a warm hug, a supportive friend, an animal, or a gym routine.
I also want you to know that you are perfect just as you are. You are not lesser than, or weak, or unworthy because you struggle. You are living in human emotions and experiences, and there is nothing wrong with feeling the lowest of lows and highest of highs. That also means that your mind, your heart, and your body need attention. They need safety, and warmth, and forgiveness.
There is always something waiting for you on the other side of darkness ❤️
