Mental health. Yes, I said it. Yes, I’m willing to talk about it. & yes, I know it has and can still be a taboo topic. I also know that so many struggle with their own demons but aren’t prepared or do not feel like anyone can relate or will listen. For those that feel that way; this is for you. This is for you to know I can relate and I am here to listen, any time. ♥️
Through out my life I have always had a “nervous stomach” (that’s what my Nana always called it.) I can remember being in a constant state of worry and fear. Nothing particular would trigger this feeling it was just always there. I’ve had my own demons to face and battle over the years and some were monsters that I thought I would lose the battle to; i did not let them win.
With amazing support, therapy, and some times even anti depressants and anxiety meds I have won every battle with my sword held high and sharpened with all the tools I have been provided. But let me be honest when I tell you there are still days, minutes and seconds when I’m not sure I have any fight left in me. I still struggle to fight off my own demons and the monsters that lerk in the darkest corners of my mind.
When I entered into this weight loss journey I was fully aware that it would be just as mentally taxing as it was/is physically. Some days I still struggle when I look into the mirror and see the old me. Some times I don’t feel like I’m doing enough, healthy enough, good enough. Some times I snap right back out of it, others it takes a little longer because the monsters have undeniable strength.
What I choose to not do is give up. I made a promise to someone a long time ago to always fight for myself. To continuously sharpen the blades on my swords, put my armor on and fight for my own happiness: whatever form that may come in.
Recently I was listening to the radio and heard a story of a young nutritionist who took her own life. She could not find her happiness in this world and felt she only had one way out. I have felt those feelings in my lifetime and I am blessed that I had angels here on earth who looked beyond my forced smile and broken laugh; they saw every battle wound I was trying so hard to hide. They saved me from using a permanent solution to end temporary problems.
My point to this is that no matter how bad your day is, how much you are struggling, or how alone you feel there are resources, support, love and help out there! These battles do not have to be fought as a lone soldier. Let people in. As hard as that can be, please try. Tell those closest to you how you are feeling, call a hotline, tell you doctor how you are feeling.
My other point (but just as important) to this is to always reach out to those you care about, reach out to the ones you see daily and notice some thing isn’t quite right. Reach out to those who you haven’t heard from in a bit. & even remind the “strong” ones of the group that you are there and love them and that they do not have to hide their wars from you.
While it may seem silly to send a simple text, call, etc to someone telling them you are thinking of them it can mean more to that person than you can ever imagine. You may text them at their darkest and pull them back into the light.
This life is a crazy, chaotic, beautiful, scary, amazing ride and I believe it is measured by the love we live it with. Always tell the ones in your life how much you love them. Remind them repeatedly how thankful you are for them. Let them know how blessed you are to have them in your life.
Life is so short and so precious. Fight for it, always. Live it with love, always. Surround yourself with positive people, always. Be kind, always.
desiree.angelica 