Trigger warning: this piece discusses themes of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
When you find yourself in the midst of a mental health struggle, it’s hard to comprehend that those around you want to help you. Your mental health will lie to you It will say that you’re a burden, to keep hiding behind a mask that says everything is okay. But reaching out for help is the best thing you can do for yourself, and those around you who love you and want to help you.
I’ve battled with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation for as long as I can remember. I honestly don’t remember what life looks like without it. I’ve also struggled to believe that the people around me want to help and support me.
So, I wouldn’t tell anyone I’m struggling. Even when I knew the best thing for me was to reach out. There were loud voices in my head that told me otherwise, which made me feel ashamed for wanting to get help.
But then I found other people sharing their stories about mental health. Hearing what they went through and getting to the place they were in now, gave me the courage to reach out to those close to me and start the process of getting the help I needed.
As soon as I reached out, I felt less alone. With an army of loved ones behind me, I had the courage and strength to face this head-on. It’s been a constant struggle to push past the yelling voices in my head telling me to not tell anyone.
If you are struggling, please reach out to those around you. It’s okay to need help, in fact, we all need help sometimes. And those around you who love and care for you would rather you reach out to them than see you struggle.
-Danielle
Voices of Hope wants you to know that you do not have to do this alone. Click here to 'find help' - it's not weak to speak!