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If you or someone you care about has been affected by mental health concerns, trauma, mental illness, or addiction:
…you may feel hopeless, overwhelmed, and exhausted.
…you may not fully understand what you are going through.
…you may think life is unfair or that you are being punished.
…you may believe it’s all your fault or blame someone else for your difficulties.
…you may withdraw from others and keep your struggles a secret.
…you may be afraid or ashamed to speak up for fear of rejection or ridicule.
…you may feel resigned to a life of broken dreams and unrealized goals.
If this is how you feel, here are seven points that can help you find support and hope to reclaim your life again:
1. You are not alone.
- You are not alone because one in five adults experience mental health concerns.
- You are not alone because others have made it through similar challenges.
- You are not alone because help and support are available.
2. You can ask for help.
- You don’t have to fight this battle by yourself.
- You can start by calling a trusted friend, relative, minister, doctor, or therapist for help.
- You can call 911 (in the US) or go to your local emergency room if your safety is in jeopardy.
3. You can get better.
- You can get better because you can learn about your condition and treatment options.
- You can get better because you can find and receive support from others.
- You can get better because you can engage in treatment that works.
4. You are more than just an illness.
- You are not just an illness, a label, or a diagnosis.
- You are a worthwhile person with unique strengths, gifts, talents, and abilities.
- You deserve to be treated with respect and to be happy and healthy.
5. You can have a meaningful life.
- You can develop a realistic plan with reasonable goals.
- You can work toward and achieve your goals and dreams.
- You can find contentment and peace of mind.
6. You can bounce back from setbacks.
- You can learn from setbacks and readjust your plan to make it better.
- You can become stronger over time as you learn how to cope.
- You can gain confidence from your ability to manage challenges.
7. You can help others.
- You can eventually share your insights and knowledge with others in need.
- You can feel empowered and confident by helping others.
- You can be an inspiration to many by your example.
You may agree with these statements but still not know how to move forward. Please consider this:
All of this isn’t easy.
It’s often hard.
But hard isn’t impossible.
It takes strength and courage to move forward.
(A little luck never hurts either.)
Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.
Take a chance.
Try something new.
You may just change your life for the better.
Copyright David Susman 2020
