The stigma around mental health has prevented people from asking for help or sharing their stories, and instead has caused even more damage. In Brenna Twohy's poem, "In Which I Do Not Fear Harvey Dent," she talks about coping with her extreme anxiety. Twohy says, "When you have a mental illness, society tells you your only power is your invisibility. Tells you that they would save you if only they could see you." This is why we need change: so people with mental illnesses no longer feel invisible, and so that we can feel empowered to share our stories.
I am not ashamed of my scars. After struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety and depression, now I view my scars as a symbol of my strength. Living through those six formidable years of constant struggles, filled with self-loathing, to be still standing here today is an accomplishment and continual encouragement. It is the constant reminder of personal growth and the ability to overcome any obstacle placed in my way. I will always have these on my skin as reference points to see how much I've grown. Scars do not define you, but your body's ability to heal.
It is a part of the past. Why is regret something you cannot change? Instead of pretending it didn't happen or making a big deal out of something that is unchangeable and done, move on to better things. Recovery is going to hurt a lot. You are going to cry a lot because living with self-harm scars hurts and it can make you afraid of what people might think, but it’s OK. If you want to cry, do it.
As Thanksgiving arrives, you may go home to family or have your own "Friendsgiving" dinner. Wherever you go, part of this holiday is that everyone is giving thanks for the blessings in their lives. Take this time to be thankful for the path you have been placed on. Your journey, every single moment, is happening for a reason. You will grow and learn with each new experience. I am thankful for all that I have learned so far along my journey. I had the opportunity to share my personal experience with my mental health issues with a friend and was able to help her through a situation similar to my past. Esther 4:14 says, "Who knows but that you were brought to here for such a time as this?" Someday this pain will be useful. You have endured these terrible things, and now you have a story. Share it. Someone may have the same story as you, and will take comfort in your words.
"The only thing I know is this: I am full of wounds and still standing on my feet." -- Nikos Kazantzakis
