Trigger Warning: About 8 years ago in this very place, was the last time I attempted to take my own life. I have struggled with mental health since at least middle school (diagnosed), visited the psych ward at least annually for suicide attempts, a guinea pig for multiple medications, went through different therapies, groups, classes. I got into drugs, abused alcohol, self-harmed, made a lot of impulsive and risky choices, all because I didn’t want to feel the way I felt. Alone. Scared. Hurt. Different. Crazy. On a never-ending roller coaster of emotions, without the ability to know what they were let alone cope with them. Fortunately for me, I was given just what I needed. A purpose. A reason to wake up in the morning and sludge through life enough to start listening to suggestions, take advice, and let people in (even just a little). I started being kinder to myself and am learning to like myself a little more everyday. I am by no means “cured”, but I no longer feel so alone. I still get in funks, I still have panic attacks and days that I barely make it out of bed. I have learned that I am loved, even when my brain tries to convince me otherwise, and that feelings are temporary and not dangerous in and of themselves. Last week when I decided to stop by this place that holds some dark memories, it was almost therapeutic to see it through a different lens and reflect on the changes that I’ve made in the last 8 years. If you struggle with any mental heath troubles or feelings of hopelessness, just remember you are not alone. There are many of us just like you. Reach out. Speak out. ❤️ #DepressionEducation&AwarenessMonth #endstigma #loveyourself
