Dear Shrink New Best Friend,
I want to say thank you. I have so much to be thankful for in my wonderful life, and you taught me that. You taught me that my life is great. You taught me so many amazing things.
You taught me that it’s okay to put yourself out there. I shouldn’t be ashamed if I have depression or anxiety because truth be told, you’re abnormal if you don’t have some form of it. I’m guessing you’re smiling right about now, reflecting on how far we’ve come. It was only what seems like just a short while ago that I sat with my legs crossed, arms crossed, and glared at you because my mom had dragged me to you so I could “have somebody to talk to.”
You were there for me when nobody believed in me. Not even myself. You were my biggest supporter and my biggest cheerleader. No matter how alone I felt in life, I knew you were with me every step of the way, waiting for me, and always being ready to catch me for the smallest trip or biggest fall.
You advocated for me at school. You advocated for me with my family. You advocated for me to me. You told me I was worth something. You reminded me that my life was worth it. That life is good and you should live it to the fullest.
You supported me no matter what. I wanted to break up with my boyfriend? You told me you would be there. Just kidding, I love the boyfriend again. You still told me you would be there. You let me have emotional breakdowns, you let me talk about my passions, you let me talk about the cute dog I just saw walking down the street. You let me talk about anything.
You made me learn. You gave me coping mechanisms and tools for my brain. You pushed me outside my comfort zone and you helped me learn better. When I thought I was dumb, you made me feel like the smartest person in the world. When I thought I was a failure, you picked me back up to feel like a rock star.
You helped me face my mental illnesses in a positive light. You weren’t just someone who listened to me talk about my life every week for an hour (at least) but you became a friend. Someone whom I looked forward to seeing every week, someone whom I couldn’t WAIT to tell about the previous week’s events, but most importantly, someone whom I could trust.
You once told me you knew I would be okay in this world because of how strong willed I am. You told me you knew I would survive, and while I might have to battle, I would make it to the top. What you told me is something I think about every day.
I don’t think you know how much you changed my life. An infinity of thank yous would never be enough. But a simple thank you for empowering me, for inspiring me, and for guiding me into being the better, happier, healthier, person I am today, will have to do.
With love,
Your Patient Friend
