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10 Things I Know About Living With a Mental Illness

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I don’t know any of you. You may be living with clinical depression, anxiety, panic attacks, schizophrenia, borderline personalities, post-traumatic stress disorder, hyperactivity, seclusion, substance and/or alcohol abuse or from other forms of devastating mental illnesses. I don’t know where you come from, your family, your health history or the unique circumstances that have arrived in your life. I don’t know if your illness is from genetics, or if it was catalyzed by something terrible that happened to you. You could be going through a massive change in your life, or you may be struggling with the loss of a loved one.

But there are a few things I do know when it comes to your fight with a mental illness:

1. I know it can feel like you’re alone in this battle.

2. I know it may seem like no one understands what you’re going through.

3. I know how it feels to seem isolated, invisible or alone in a crowded room.

4. I know what it’s like to put on a fake smile to hide deep pain and loneliness. I know, all too well, all of these fake masks we put on when really there’s quick sand trying to pull us under.

5. I know how it feels to lose interest in things we once loved. All of our favorite places are gone, we don’t want intimacy anymore and we push love away.

6. I know how it feels to toss away your social life and your social circle.

7. I know what it’s like to be tossed away from your family.

8. I know how it feels to want someone to call, email or even to text.

9. I know how it feels when you try everything in your power — absolutely everything — to try to fill in the growing emptiness and despair that’s living inside of you. I know what it is like to try and mute or shut out that emptiness and despair.

10. I know how it feels to ponder about death.

Beyond all of this, I know how clinical depression feels and I’m very aware of the thoughts and feelings that lead someone to contemplate suicide.

But, we all know there are two sides to a coin; there are two sides to a story. There are a few other things about life — things that make life truly awesome and inspirational.

First, I know there is hope. Just as winter is conquered by spring, or as the darkness is dominated by the light, I know you can make it through this. And what’s even better, you can come out a much stronger and better person for experiencing it.

Second, I believe God’s everlasting love, guidance and strength is made available to every one of us.

Third, I know the seasons will always come and go…year after year. The seasons of life: the hope of spring, the abundance of summer, the harvest of autumn and yes, even the darkness of winter.

Four, I know miracles happen every single day. All we have to do is read the newspapers or watch the news. There’s always news about a miracle taking place for someone and for some family

Most importantly, I know you are not alone. We are all on this path together. There is hope. Let’s reach out to one another and walk in the sunlight instead of the dark.

Let’s heal — together.

The Mighty is asking the following: Create a list-style story of your choice in regards to disability, disease or mental illness. It can be lighthearted and funny or more serious — whatever inspires you. Be sure to include at least one intro paragraph for your list. If you’d like to participate, please send a blog post to community@themighty.com. Please include a photo for the piece, a photo of yourself and 1-2 sentence bio. Check out our Share Your Story page for more about our submission guidelines.

Originally published: December 15, 2015
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