You Are Stronger than Your Mental Illness

Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start. It’s common to feel unsure, and to wonder whether you should try to handle things on your own. But it’s always ok to ask for help. 

There are a lot of options for support out there, although you might find some to be more suitable, or more easily available. There’s no wrong order to try things in – different things work for different people at different times. Sometimes it’s hard to open up to your family and friends, but you just need that one person who is willing to listen.  For me, counseling such as talk therapy and support from my family was a lifesaver. 

 I never used to talk to anyone. For years, I would keep things bottled up and then cry hysterically on my own as to not inconvenience anyone. I would hide it so I wouldn’t have to confront my thoughts and fears. But this made things so much worse for me. Know that people are there to help you when you are not feeling like your usual self. There is help available! Utilize what helps you the most.

The mental health professionals have chosen this field to help you get back to the safe side of living. The nurses, doctors and other mental health professionals are not against you. I am eternally grateful for all of the support I have received and continue to receive in my recovery. It’s okay to ask for and accept help from others. You may be afraid at first, but it’s okay to feel that way. It is okay not to be okay. The mental health professionals are here to help. You can and WILL get to the other side of this and are so strong by just existing. But know that when you feel as though you’re falling short, you are never alone. There are so many people who are here to help you. Do yourself a favor and take the help they’re offering. Mental illness is a battle I have fought and will continue to fight. This is NOT by any means an individual fight. It is a team fight. Let people in. Let them help you and then you can help others when you’re better. The longer you take to seek out help, the worse you may feel. 

Whatever has happened to you, I want you to know how proud I am that you continue to keep trying no matter how many times you may stumble,  relapse, make a mistake or endure a new battle in your day.

Everyone falls down, makes mistakes, and faces struggles in life. It isn’t just you, I do it too. The real strength is not giving up, it’s giving it another go and asking for help when you need it! 

I know you’re strong enough to pick yourself up off the floor, dust yourself off and start again. All of these things have made you a better, stronger, more beautiful person. You are a warrior. Remember recovery is a continuous process and help is always available when you need it. You are never alone.