Hello Friend,
First things first: this is not your fault. Do not blame yourself. What you experience is just as valid as anything you would see in an Emergency Room. Treat yourself as you would a friend with a broken leg. Would you tell them to just get over it? Would you call them weak for taking their pain medication? Your wounds may not be physical, but that does not mean they are not there.
Remember that you are not defined by the stigma that has been placed on mental illness. You are not the idiotic stereotypes. Society would have you believe that you should hide this part of yourself. That it could change the way people look at you. I will not lie and say that isn’t true, but if someone abandons you for showing them where you are vulnerable, then they are not someone you need in your life. Don’t let them make you feel that you are unworthy of love. You will find people who aren’t afraid. People who wouldn’t change you for anything. People who will love you until love ceases to exist.
I know when it feels like you are sinking the last thing you want to do is talk to someone about it, but there are people who are more than willing to just listen. Please understand that asking for help is not equivalent to seeking attention. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t strong enough. Asking for help is probably one of the bravest things you can do.
Please be gentle with yourself. You're human. Mistakes will be made and challenges will come. What matters is that you are here and that you have overcome everything that once stood in your way. Don’t allow guilt and shame to hinder you from doing the same thing to future obstacles.
I know sometimes it may feel like you are just coasting through life. It feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but I swear to you, when you find that light, even if it's only for a little while, it feels like heaven on earth. Remember that light. Think about it when you are in that darkness that some would call rock bottom.
Remember the great things in life: that book you love to read, that song that will forever be your favorite, that movie that makes you laugh so hard you almost pee, that funny thing your dad said the other day, or funny cat videos, if that’s what you're into. Take a day for yourself and remember that you deserve it. You've been through a lot.
You are going to be okay, I promise. At this point you are probably saying, “How can you make promises like that?” Well, I believe you are much stronger than you give yourself credit for. I’m amazed by your courage. You, my friend, are going to do amazing things. I can feel it.
You are here for a reason, and I cannot wait to see the things you will accomplish.
With Love,
Someone Who Understands
