C H A N G E.
.
January has been a difficult month to say the least. (Even though it flew by! )
.
I appreciate when people are honest and genuine and I believe that mental health needs to be discussed more.
.
I have been dealing with depression for most of my life. This past month, it has probably been the worst it has ever been. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions and in some pretty dark places.
.
I am not magically better but I am somehow in a place were a small amount of motivation has sparked. I am sharing this because I KNOW there are other people who have the same feelings and experiences. Last year, 3.3 million American adults are believed to suffer with dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder) which I have been diagnosed with. Only 61.7% of adults are receiving treatment.
.
A little over half are being treated! And those are just the adults. Yet we ALL give the perception that our life is wonderful. I know that I don't necessarily want to share the negativity with others when I am struggling, so forcing a smile seems to be a better option.
.
But I have noticed I respect people more when they are genuine with their struggles and flaws than "perfect photos".
.
Other mental illnesses:
•PTSD- post traumatic stress disorder
•OCD- obsessive compulsive disorder
•Social Anxiety Disorder
•PD-Panic Disorder
•Bipolar depression
•Specific phobias
And this is just to name a few.
Our brain is a wonderful, powerful, mysterious thing. But these illness DO NOT define who we are. We ALL have struggles, whether mental or not. But if our flaws, issues and struggles continue to be hidden, they absolutely will not be able to improve but most likely get worse.
.
If people will these issues get help and feel supported, I can't even imagine how many suicides, mass shootings and destructive acts would and could be prevented.
.
I am still on my own journey to a healthier mind, but I am determined that BIG CHANGE will happen for me this year. It has to.
If you are suicidal, please contact the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (America)
Canada: 1-866-APPELLE
Visit www.togetherweare-strong.tumblr.com for a full list.
Please seek medical attention if you are dealing with ANY of these mental issues. Don't remain silent!
Disclaimer: These are my own opinions and experiences. The statistics are from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. I am not being paid for this post. I was not asked to speak about this topic.