I posted a few days ago about how to help a loved one who is suffering from a mental illness. Tonight, I wanted to take a few minutes to touch on my personal support system and how much they have helped me over the last few weeks.
I know that I can be a difficult person to handle, especially while struggling with anxiety and depression. I find myself erratic and I’m constantly changing my mind about what I want or need. When I first started sinking into this depression, I actually broke down and cried at the dinner table because my poor mother made the wrong kind of gravy. That’s right, I cried because the side item of my dinner wasn’t what I wanted it to be.
My mother has been extremely instrumental in helping me cope over the course of my battle. There have been nights I have woken her up because I was crying and couldn’t overcome my sadness. She has helped me to laugh, to see that what is happening to me isn’t something that is my fault, and has helped me to make hard decisions along the way.
While at times I have felt isolated along my journey, my friends have offered a great day of support as well. Although I do not feel like talking on the phone much, I have received so many wonderful messages and text messages which each shine a little bit of light on each dark day. Even friends whom I haven’t seen in years have reached out to me to offer their support. Today, I received the most beautiful flower arrangement from a friend I haven’t been in touch with in years, I cried…happy tears.
I cannot tell you how important it is to have a support system around you when facing a mental illness. The people around you can push you, can hug you, and can help to brighten your day, no matter how dark it may seem. I am forever grateful for those around me, and while I am not sure I will ever be able to fully repay my gratitude, I will try each and every day to show those around me just how special they are.
I know that I can be a difficult person to handle, especially while struggling with anxiety and depression. I find myself erratic and I’m constantly changing my mind about what I want or need. When I first started sinking into this depression, I actually broke down and cried at the dinner table because my poor mother made the wrong kind of gravy. That’s right, I cried because the side item of my dinner wasn’t what I wanted it to be.
My mother has been extremely instrumental in helping me cope over the course of my battle. There have been nights I have woken her up because I was crying and couldn’t overcome my sadness. She has helped me to laugh, to see that what is happening to me isn’t something that is my fault, and has helped me to make hard decisions along the way.
While at times I have felt isolated along my journey, my friends have offered a great day of support as well. Although I do not feel like talking on the phone much, I have received so many wonderful messages and text messages which each shine a little bit of light on each dark day. Even friends whom I haven’t seen in years have reached out to me to offer their support. Today, I received the most beautiful flower arrangement from a friend I haven’t been in touch with in years, I cried…happy tears.
I cannot tell you how important it is to have a support system around you when facing a mental illness. The people around you can push you, can hug you, and can help to brighten your day, no matter how dark it may seem. I am forever grateful for those around me, and while I am not sure I will ever be able to fully repay my gratitude, I will try each and every day to show those around me just how special they are.