An Open Letter to Mental Health Warriors
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha
This article was originally intended to be an Instagram post acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Month. But then I found myself trying to think through a caption that would resonate with my friends and followers - many who are or have experienced struggles with their mental health. The truth is, I can’t possibly limit my feelings on this topic to a single caption because it deserves more. So if you’re reading this, thank you and I hope you can take something with you.
This is an open letter to all mental health warriors - those who silently suffer, those who have survived, and those who have shown love and compassion. As society changes, so does our understanding on this topic. Specifically that it goes beyond the general anxiety and depression we all experience throughout our days. As humans, we are incredibly sensitive and many of us experience things we never should. Some of us are born this way. But we are also strong - our bodies and minds can overcome incredible things with the power of love and hope.
For many, hope feels lost. But I’m here to tell you that it’s not. As someone who has struggled through a dark period in her life, life for me now is happy but a wave of daily emotions. My saving grace were the people and things I chose to surround myself with, seeking help, and writing down positive affirmations about who I was (even when I didn’t believe them). I do now. Let’s support and heal together.
To help those suffering:
Reach out every day - ask them how they're feeling as much as possible. Most of the time, people don’t want to burden each other but the power of venting can do wonders.
Spend time together - initiate conversation, physical touch (hugs, kisses, back rubs), peaceful activity (stretching, walks, picnics, meditation, breath work), healthy eating (for those who have lost their appetite), and drinking water.
Empower self-care - motivate them to take baby steps towards healing through therapy, medication, and affirmations.
To help you feel better:
Click here to join a support group - connect with other people in your area seeking the same.
Click here for free mental health resources - find comfort through communities with shared experiences.
To get help now:
Call Trevor. If you are thinking about suicide and in need of immediate support, please call the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386 or click here to select TrevorChat.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En español 1-888-628-9454. The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Crisis Text Line. Text “HELLO” to 741741. The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.
Image: Claire Luxton
