I have been open and honest with my depression with myself and everyone I meet. Sometimes people are not ready for my openness and that’s okay. Someone else will be. I was late to the table, only diagnosed 10 years ago. However, for about 35 years lived in the darkness undiagnosed being angry, impatient, withdrawn feeling inadequate in many ways. I was carefree with finances and chased after relationship situations I had no hope of creating. I am working to become debt free and am not suffocated by my debt anymore. I am working on having better relationships and deeper friendships.
My support network has evolved and is very strong and diverse. At 55, I have my own family. They are special, important full of love, hopes, dreams, desires. I am evolving as a grandparent, stepfather and partner each day.
The challenges are daily and real and right now, would not have it any other way. The stats are staggering 1 out of every 5 people deals with mental health situations. That is the statistic of the people who have reported, the number is higher with all the people undiagnosed. I am blessed that I had caring people who led me out of the darkness and into the light. I have embraced my depression. It has opened doors for me in ways that allows me to give back and be of support. Every time I speak to schools or companies like today, I touch a life and a life touches mine.
Be kind, open and loud about mental health every day not just one week a year. Each time we are the stigma decreases.
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