Change, development and progress require time, strength and commitment, as well a degree of loss and letting go of what once was. But I am determined, day by day, to live life and celebrate it (for its joy and wonder as well as all its challenges and complexities), to treat myself with compassion and self-respect, and to begin the process of freeing myself from the weights around my ankles which have held me down for so long. Our heads can be troublesome places to be stuck inside, and our thoughts and mental states are hard to control/master. I no longer hate, judge or blame myself for the difficulties and mental health struggles I have faced in life. This is a crucial first step, hopefully of many. I truly believe anyone can recover from mental illness, given the right help, knowledge and support. It’s by no means an easy or straightforward journey. Whether it is worth it or not is up to the individual. However, if you don’t try you can never know. Our time on this magical earth is limited. Let’s do what we can with it. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #fear #anxiety #mentalillness #fortheliving #onedayatatime #littlesteps #possibilities #changeisgood #mentalstrength #keepgoing #endstigma #timetotalk #shareyourstory
I’m slowly emerging. I’m coming back. I’ve found a first glimmer of light. ✨ Soon I want to start talking about what’s happened to me, where I’ve been, and why I’ve ‘disappeared’ for so long. I’ve kept most of my life and the severe mental health struggles I’ve been through hidden behind closed doors for over 15 years now, for fear of shattering illusions of who I am or revealing truths that people won’t want to see or hear. But I realised there is something far more important than other people’s judgement, and that is overcoming the stigma that pervades this topic and letting others know that we are all connected in this. We all have mental health, and darkness (as well as light) is a part of life, the human condition, and what ultimately unites us, even as we travel down our individual pathways. Our difficulties should never make us feel shameful, hopeless or cast out. This is why mental health still needs more awareness, understanding and open & honest conversation if we want to save lives and stop the terrible suffering it causes. If I’ve learnt anything this year it’s that mental illness can be one of the most frightening, isolating and life-threatening experiences you can go through. Healing takes time (and can be a very painful process in itself) but I truly believe our minds can recover and forge new tracks if given the right support, care, nourishment and love. I hope you’ll listen to what I have to say, and in the mean time please take care of those around you- whether loved ones or strangers. Kindness is free, and even a small act can turn someone’s day- or even their life- around. 🌎 #mentalhealth #mentalillness #mentalhealthawareness #anxiety #keepgoing #connection #possibilities #traumarecovery #hope #strength #recovery #suicideprevention #commonhumanity #support #kindnessmatters @mindcharity @rethinkmentalillness @werenotreallystrangers @mentalhealthfoundation @letstalkaboutmentalhealth @solentmind
There is inherent value in life. Every single person on the planet has this value. However at times we can feel like our lives lack meaning, purpose or joy. We question why we are here, what we ought to do, and how to go on. There may be no easy answers to any of these questions. Life is a strange enigma. It challenges us and rarely conforms to our expectations. Sometimes we lose our way, become trapped, and can end up feeling hopeless. In times of darkness, doubt or fear we need to be reminded that we can always rise up, no matter how long we have been down on our knees, and no matter how many times we are pushed back down again. You are more important than you realise. So live, live, live- live in the hope of restoring hope. And once you have it spread it around, and lift up others so that they may see life from a higher, brighter perspective. Let them know how important they are. And never forget your own self-worth. The world is lucky to have you in it. 💫 #mentalhealth #dailyhope #mentalhealthawareness #helpothers #kindness #hope #suicideprevention #mentalillness #keepgoing #takecareofyourself #mentalhealthrecovery #anxietysupport
