From the time we take our first breath to the moment we take our last, we are constantly affected by #MentalHealthMatters. Experiences in our lives will either motivate us to aim for higher heights or de-motivate us towards rock bottom. Either way, it’s not the situation that’s the issue, it’s the choices we make in how we deal with them.
This is a topic that’s close to my heart as I’ve previously shared my brush with depression. I never use to talk about it because it’s something that I was a bit embarrassed about and to be honest, though I was going through some things, I didn’t know why I was so down at that time. I still remember the many times I would tell my sister and friend that ‘I don’t feel like myself’ but never truly knew why. They didn’t know what to do because really, how do you respond to something like that if you’ve never experienced it before?
After months of having a heaviness in my heart, I started drinking regularly which was uncommon for me. I would often cry without knowing what I was crying about and I couldn’t find humor in anything (which, for anyone who knows me, I love to laugh). I never wanted to be around anyone and understandably it felt like no one wanted to be around me. The scariest time is when I understood why people would resort to drugs or worse, why they would want to take their own lives. Needless to say, times got worse before they got better but it was my faith in God that carried me through it all. It took me about a year and a half before I started feeling like myself again and though it wasn’t easy I’m grateful I made it through.
You may wonder why I’m talking about this at all. Well, I feel that more awareness needs to be brought to this matter as it can (and may) touch all of our lives at one point or another. If by sharing my experience will help someone feel like they’re not alone, then I’m happy to talk about it. It may not be you but you may know someone who is affected by it, even a child. My goal is to share stories, experiences and words of encouragement with anyone touched by #Sadness #Depression #Addiction and any other #MentalHealth issue out there.
My two cents: We weren’t provided with a life manual so even though people can tell you how you ‘should react’ or ‘should handle’ situations, everyone’s experience is different so you take your time and find out what works best for you. The one thing that is certain, you are not alone. You’re able to conquer any ordeal, experience or situation you are faced with. Fear is just an emotion that we give life to when we think about it for too long. If you can face what scares you, you can overcome and do anything. If you’re afraid of drowning, learn how to swim and combat that fear, if you’re afraid of public speaking, speak to a crowd about your passion and combat that fear. If you’re afraid of dying, embrace every moment, live each day to the fullest and combat that fear. You are in control of your life. You can make a choice, exist or live.
I’m claiming today as #MajesticMonday because it’s time to show the world all the beauty in your heart and soul! It doesn’t matter where you came from, it’s how you finish. We all have the opportunity to fulfill our dreams and be the change we need in our own lives and others.
Let me know what are you going to do (or what you did) today to make it Majestic?
#BeKind #BeCourageous
Red's Canvas 