Frontline

I am a mental health and substance use systems navigator, helping folks to find help in their communities. Some days are harder than others. I wrote this awhile ago and am sharing for any other #Frontline workers who are feeling burnt out to remind you that you are, in fact, a superhero.

I do not wear a cape, but sometimes, I am a superhero.

I hold space for people to share their darkness, their struggle, and I let them know that they’re not alone.

Sometimes, I write words that help others to feel strong and brave. I can put the challenges and tragedies swirling around in their heads onto paper, to let them know that they’re seen and heard.

Often, I am the first person they ask for help. Often, I’m the 10th. And each time that I tell them that I’m so glad they reached out, I genuinely mean it. They’re never just another email or another person to me. They’re always uniquely, unequivocally worthy of my attention and care.

All I’ve ever wanted to do is to help someone else feel less alone. Because I know what it’s like to feel trapped in your own head. I know what it’s like to not admit that something’s wrong. And above all, I know how hard it is to ask for help.

The superheroes we see in movies are fictional for a reason. They wear their bravery and gloriousness on their sleeves. The real superheroes, though? They look just like you and me. And you won’t see their triumph in the talents they flaunt or muscles they flash. Instead, you’ll see it on the faces of those they have helped. You’ll hear it in their gratitude. “You were here when I needed you.” “You showed me kindness at a time I felt entirely alone.”

It takes a superhero to step into the dark and walk with someone back to the light.

Keep walking, my friends. One step at a time.