It's ok to not be ok - but not forever
Bit of a serious post. To all my family and friends who have ever been challenged by or are experiencing mental illness.
Its ok to not be ok - but not forver. For some reason or another, I have over the years always been drawn to those that seem to need assistance in some way, most of the time, neither of us actually even know it at first, it is like some uncanny kind of meeting which turns into a friendship of nurturing support - not everyone of course - but quite a few.
I have an intuitive mind. Mental illnesses are not always visbale. I seem to notice things that others don't in both children and adults - and I am proud to mention that. I notice the shine leave, I notice the subtle move away from the group, I notice the blank stare. And for these reasons I became interested in mental health. I recently spent many hours researching various topics within mental health - depression and anxiety. Post Natal. Bipolar. I'm no expert, but I can at least say I have an understanding.
I understand when you say it is dark and lonely. I get what you say when you tell me that inflicting pain on youself is the only way to relieve the "internal pain". I also get that those who suffer from a mental health condition have also spent many weeks and even months in silence so as not to be judged by others. And more importantly, I know that most of you have not felt as though you have had the strength to move forward, get help and recover. So I say to - we are all human and were put on this earth for a purpose. You may be 45 years old and not know what that purpose is, yet have lived a life of happiness. You may only be 21 and know exactly where you want to go in life. But some things about life are learnt along the way. We dont always know the road ahead and we do not know the answers and sometimes it takes the intervention of someone else to help us realise that you are a person and that you do exsist and that others do care.
We all need to be patient. Its often a long and often scarey journey to recovery, but it can be done.
It take encouragement and praise, especially for those people with such challenges as listed above, it does actually take patience.
I can be patient (most of the time) and I need those close to me to know I am here and that I do understand. I will convince you however way I can, whether on the phone or in person that its ok to be sad and to cry - but its not ok to not get help. Its so important for you and your family. If you know and you recognise - and someone else does too, please take that person by the hand and let them lead you to the hospital or the doctors office. Or encourage you that it's ok to be getting help. We all have choices in life and I believe that if you have the strength to recognise, then you DO have the strength to set yourself up for a path to recovery. It can be done. You will be ok. Being ok is great, but not being ok is not.
I am thankful that you trust me with personal information. I am happy that by sharing my time with you by text or call or lunch dates - that I have allowed some sunshine in your lives and that you continue to choose the choice to live and love. And though you might find loving yourself and others hard to do right now - it will come back to you in time and when you and your body are ready - you will heal and show everyone that you "have got this." :)
Friends and family, use your gut. If you notice your bestie has lost her "shine" or you sense something isn't right with a loved one, their mood, behaviours, discussions even... Lead them, encourage them to take that step to recovery. be that someone that will make every down and dark day seem that little bit brighter.
For more advice and support please see Beyondblue.org.au and seek professional advice from your local GP. :)
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
