Mental health issues are hard. You and I have both seen it firsthand. We’ve seen out mother, our sister and our grandparents all struggle to keep going day after day, when life just seems to impossible. But when all is said and done, these people are so strong, they are warriors, and they just keep fighting. And so will you.
Feeling like the world is collapsing around you is terrifying, I know. But please believe me when I say that you can build it back up again, and I will be there to help you. The terrible things that you are thinking and feeling are just a drop in your life’s ocean, even if you feel flooded by them right now. I know clichés don’t help turn depression off, but I hope you can soon see your life from a wider perspective. I’ll be around for when you’re ready.
Please don’t let the words of others get inside your head. Don’t listen to the people who tell you that your mood swings are annoying, or that you need to just get over it, and be happy again. Don’t let them dictate how you take care of yourself, or what path you need to follow to get healthy again. They don’t understand, and some of them never will. But please, please, don’t let the toxic words of others make you feel even worse.
Despite what anyone tells you, you are so special. You are caring, courageous, funny, intensely hard-working, and wickedly smart. Try your best to ignore those who tell you that you are just looking for attention or trying to make yourself more interesting. These people don’t understand, and they probably don’t want to. These aren’t the kind of people you want in your life, even when you are feeling healthier. They are only looking to rise at the sake of another’s downfall – you do not need that kind of negativity around, even when you are better.
Even if what they say sounds crazy, try and listen to your therapists. It’s easy to hear what they’re saying without really listening, but if you try to take their suggestions to heart, they can make a world of difference. I’m proud of you for going and seeking help; now the next step is to allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to actually accept it. It’s hard, and it will challenge you every single day. But you can do it. I believe in you so much, and I know you can do this.
I will be there for you; I’ll be there when you need to cry, when you need to talk, and when you just need to sit in silence. I will do my best to support you through this, though I know that I will never truly be able to understand what you’re feeling right now. I will do my best to protect you, fiercely, whenever you need it. I will try and be a comfort in the storm, and a hand by which to help pull yourself out of the darkness.
I love you, so much. Please, never forget that. Anytime you need me, I’m here.
Featured image via Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
