Resilience

My story is not a very complex one, but there are a few things people may not know about me but I'm not sure I feel comfortable with people knowing. I struggled with social anxiety and went to therapy not long ago, but only because I asked for help. I really did not see a point to doing routine things, such as going to school, doing my chores. I just could not find meaning even though I was really trying. My parents had just got divorced and I was having trouble being happy. I could find a small amount of joy hanging out with my friends, but once they left and I was on my own again, I felt like I had no meaning. This is not generally something I would want to have people in the hallways know about me, but if they know that all they need to do is talk to someone they trust and get help, that is good.

"My personal battles are not generally somethings I would want to have people in the hallways know about me, but if they know that all they need to do is talk to someone they trust and get help, that is good."

Whenever we hear adults talk about mental health and getting help, it sounds so gloomy and bad. But it is not. Experience is the best teacher, so those who have not struggled with mental health would find it hard to understand how to be there for people, and I understand that. My mother was in the hospital due to her mental health a few years ago and I had trouble understanding. As long as people are aware that anyone can be going through anything and their behaviours need to reflect that knowledge, then people will have an easier time talking about problems. I was lucky enough to have a loving support of family and friends around me to help me through my tough time, and I can wholeheartedly say I am a mentally stronger person.

- November, 2020