rebel-ism

[rebel-ism]

Professional help isn't everything.

Professional help is a great first step and can work for a lot of people. But I think it's equally important that we as people learn to help those around us. Learning about depression, anxiety, personality and mood disorders is important. People need to know how to assist those in a mental health crisis as much as they need to know CPR or basic first aid.

It's worth the effort for all of us to learn how to be better listeners and supporters. To be present for people. To show up for people. Beyond the cliche words of encouragement, beyond motivational quotes, beyond the repeated methods of self-care, beyond pointing them towards the professionals.

There is more to treating a mental illness than understanding how the mental illness works. You have to invest in the individual. Learn to love someone who lives in an entirely different reality. Even when they're unreachable. Learn to love someone just for the sake of loving them.

Healthy boundaries are always needed but we need to stop writing ourselves off so quickly. We are so much more capable of helping than we think.

[rebel-ism]

Quick Reminder: You Aren't Invisible

The cashier of the grocery store that you frequent probably recognizes your face. Your pet waits for you while you're gone, they're thinking of you when you're not there. People remember you even if you can't remember them. Someone has thought of you fondly, probably even had something nice to say but they were too scared to say it. Someone remembers the time you complimented them even if you don't remember it. The person that left you ages ago now looks back on the good parts and values them even if the relationship is truly over. Someone drove past you once and liked something you were wearing.

Love and kindness is absolutely everywhere. Even if it is impossible to hear and see. The world loves you back. It's just very hard to feel it.

[rebel-ism]

I'm Daring Myself To Live (and maybe you too?)

I've struggled with chronic mental illness since I was 9 years old. I'm not enthusiastic about the way my brain works or this whole idea in general. But some part of me wants to answer two questions. Is getting better really possible (I think it is) and is it really worth doing (I think not).

But the only real way to find out is if I give it my best shot. I'm not talking about a life time commitment, let's not get ahead of ourselves. But I'm thinking 5 years should be fair.

I've decided to give medication, therapy, self care and higher powers all another try. I'll be opening myself up to new experiences (within reason) and documenting everything online.

I don't have much hope that this will work and I have absolutely no faith in anything. But I'm doing this anyway and I don't know why.