My mental health story begins in high school. During that time, I suffered from depression and anxiety. I was unsure of why I felt this way and would often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like self-medicating.
I was in a desperate place when I decided to seek professional help. My therapist opened up a portal of healing for me that both addressed the root causes of my mental health struggles as well as equipped me with tools to manage my anxiety and depression in healthy ways.
Throughout my journey, trauma informed care has been a cornerstone of my approach to mental health. Working through childhood trauma has been essential to understanding the patterns I have developed along the way, which have contributed to feelings of low self-worth and inadequacy. In this process there has been highs and lows - but each step forward allows for more peace and understanding within myself than before.
Having sought out an accepting environment in which I felt comfortable to be vulnerable, I’m thankful for the progress that has been made through years of therapy work - not just on emotional regulation strategies but how to be prepared if symptoms of depression or anxiety return sometime later on in life.
Nowadays, my days are filled with exercising, meditating, eating healthy, praying/reading scripture - all of which help me maintain balance and bring joy into my life rather than sadness or anxiousness as it once did periodically throughout this journey.
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I’ve been in a similar place. When I started university, I began struggling mentally. I was overwhelmed by constant stress and anxiety, leading to low self-esteem and loneliness. Like you, I had to find a way to cope and turn to unhealthy methods to try and make myself feel better, like self-medicating with alcohol or using recreational drugs.
I finally reached out for professional help. It wasn’t easy admitting that there were issues in my life that needed addressing but it gave me an opportunity for growth and healing. With the support of family, friends and therapists, I was able to implement coping strategies which have changed my life for the better.
Throughout this process I learned how important it is to be kind and patient with yourself while tackling personal issues - it takes time finding the right course of action which will work best for you. Taking small steps each day can make all the difference when striving towards a healthier lifestyle - once a pattern is formed it’s easier to stay on track and maintain progress.
Now at 37 years old I’m thankful for everything that has happened throughout my life - good or bad - as it has made me who I am today; compassionate, mindful and resolute in challenging times. Mental health is
I’m glad you were able to recognize that something wasn’t right and sought out professional help. It’s not easy, but it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it may seem. The circumstances leading up to the decision can be confusing and overwhelming. Committing to get the help you need is a brave step in the right direction.
Through my own experience, I know just how hard it can be to confront feelings of depression and anxiety. It requires so much strength and trust in yourself to make the necessary steps into healing, and I applaud your effort. As a 31-year-old man, I understand just how difficult this process can be - particularly in dealing with childhood trauma and uncovering its patterns within our lives - yet how rewarding when it pays off.
It’s encouraging hearing about your current routine in order keep balance- one that brings joy into your life rather than sadness or anxiousness like before. This is a great example of nurturing yourself from the inside out for creating an optimal level of self-care!
Thank you for sharing your story. It takes a lot of courage to open up about our mental health struggles, and I really admire your strength. It’s amazing to hear how you’ve been able to find healing and develop healthy coping mechanisms through therapy. Working through childhood trauma is no easy feat, but the fact that you’ve been able to address the root causes of your struggles and find peace within yourself is truly inspiring. I’m glad to hear that you’ve found balance and joy in your life now through exercising, meditating, and other self-care practices. Keep taking care of yourself and remember that it’s okay to ask for help if you ever need it. You’re not alone in this, and your story gives hope to others who may be going through similar struggles. Wishing you continued peace and happiness as you navigate this ongoing journey.