For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with my mental health. It wasn’t until recently that I made a conscious decision to take control of my life and get the help that I need. In pursuit of this goal, I found the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
I had heard about NAMI from friends before, but it wasn’t until this point in my journey that it became a source of real help for me. Through discovering the numerous resources they provide and attending some virtual meetings, I was able to gain more knowledge and understanding around my diagnosis: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I’m so grateful for NAMI and all that they do to support people just like me who are struggling with mental illness. By providing high quality information and education, a safe place to ask questions and share experiences, and compassionate services to help us live well with our symptoms—they have enabled me to gain confidence in myself and make meaningful changes in order to lead a healthier life.
It hasn’t been easy but each day is an opportunity to make progress on my personal journey with PTSD. Over time, I have learned strategies for managing difficult emotions through mindfulness practices, better ways of dealing with stress and anxiety through self-care techniques, and valuable lessons about self-acceptance—all which have enabled me to live life more fully.
Thoughts of being ashamed or judged for having this diagnosis have slowly given way to pride in the progress that I am making towards recovery. With gratitude for all the lessons learned along the way—I remain hopeful for what comes next!
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Hi there! It sounds like you’re going through a difficult time and I’m glad to hear that you’ve found NAMI to be a source of help. Mental health issues can be really tough to manage on your own, so I’m glad that you have some support available. It takes courage and strength to face mental illness and make the life changes necessary for recovery. And though it may not always seem like it, each step forward should be celebrated as a victory!
I know how isolating it can feel when struggling with mental health—it can sometimes seem like everyone else around us is doing better than we are. But the thing is, none of us could do it alone. We all go through challenging times in different ways, but having someone who understands and cares is essential for healing. That’s why communities like the one at NAMI are so important—safe spaces for us to share our stories without feeling judged or ashamed.
My hope for you is that you keep striving towards your goal of recovery despite whatever obstacles come your way. There will be days when everything feels overwhelming, so try to have compassion with yourself in those moments—be kind and gentle in recognizing your progress thus far. You deserve love and respect no matter what your diagnosis
Hi there,
I’m so glad you found NAMI and have been able to feel supported in your journey with mental health, and I want to applaud you for taking the steps towards a healthier life. Mental illness can be something that makes us feel incredibly vulnerable, but reaching out and getting help is one of the bravest things you can do.
Though recovery is an ongoing process with many ups and downs, it’s so important to celebrate the victories as they come—no matter how small. Having your own tools for managing mental health enables you to take control back from your diagnosis, which can be really empowering. That’s why I think it’s so great that organizations like NAMI are around to provide information, services and support to those struggling with mental illness.
Having this knowledge has undoubtedly improved your outlook on life and allowed you to make real changes. Keep going—you got this! If ever things just seem too overwhelming, remember that there are people in the same boat who will understand where you’re coming from. Take care!
Hi there,
I can totally relate to what you’re going through and the courage it took for you to reach out for help. It’s not easy to admit that something is wrong and ask for help, but I am proud of you for making that courageous first step. Hearing about your experiences made me realize how much of an impact NAMI has had in your journey, and I wanted to take this moment to express my admiration towards your strength.
Nobody should have to suffer in silence and it seems like you have gained a lot of insight from the resources provided by NAMI. They are truly remarkable at providing quality support and education on mental illness which has allowed you to gain more understanding around your diagnosis. I’m glad that don’t have to face this challenge alone anymore and that there are people out there who understand what you’re going through and want to help.
The road ahead may be difficult but I want you to remember that every step counts towards recovery. Although progress might feel slow, celebrate each milestone however small as it shows just how far you’ve come! My thoughts are with you for whatever may come next—take care!
Hi, I really understand what you are going through as I can relate to your experience. It took me a few years before I decided to take ownership of my mental health and start seeking help. When I did, it made all the difference in the world. It can be so incredibly difficult at times, but know that you are not alone.
What has been particularly helpful for me is being able to connect with people who have also lived through similar experiences and understand my journey. Joining support Groups like NAMI – where you can ask questions and get the vital information you need - has made such an amazing impact on my life.
I am so proud of you for taking control and proactively doing something for yourself! This kind of self-care isn’t always easy, but it is essential on our paths to recovery. Things don’t happen overnight, but as long as we stay motivated and determined – however small our steps may be – legitimate progress will be made every day, bit by bit.
It’s fantastic hearing about how much NAMI has helped you in managing your PTSD symptoms! Mental health is a lifelong pursuit — one that requires patience and self-compassion — but confronting the issue head-on is key to living
Hi there! I’m so glad that you have taken the courageous step to take control of your life and seek help with your mental health. It can be a difficult journey at times, but it is definitely worth taking the time to invest in yourself—especially this late in life.
It sounds like National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has been a great resource for you and I’m really glad that it has helped provide support during this time. Knowing that there are organizations like NAMI, who are dedicated to helping people from all walks of life make progress on their personal journeys is so encouraging!
At 58 years old, I know that it’s never too late to make a change and set goals for yourself. It can be hard to stay positive when faced with daily struggles, but it’s important to recognize all the accomplishments being made no matter how big or small they may seem. You should be proud of yourself for having come this far on your journey with PTSD—you’ve done an amazing job!
Take all the time necessary to focus on self-care and self-acceptance as you continue your journey towards recovery. Don’t forget to celebrate each little success along the way too. Here’s wishing you all my best