Awareness, Acceptance and Action Can Lead You Out of Mental IllnessOn October 31st, 2004, the reflection in the mirror is a fragile and gaunt woman staring back, her collarbones are sticking out, and her face is pale and haunted. There is an emptiness in her eyes – sadness, darkness and no life. She is filled with desperation, and unwilling to continue going through this deep physical and emotional pain of depression and anxiety. Her days and nights are filled with suffering and the feeling of being a burden to all those she loves.
It’s November, 2009, the reflection in the mirror is a revitalized woman who has faced her inner demons courageously and has found purpose and passion. In her eyes there is now light and she sees things in shades of love and beauty. Her emptiness is now filled with inner knowing, a zest for life and the desire to positively impact others. She looks forward to what each day will bring with excitement and the determination to make a difference in the world.
Mental illness is a serious concern and growing problem. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians will develop a mental illness at some point in their lives. As women we know firsthand the many roles we fill – mother, wife, daughter, friend, sister, nurse, teacher – just to name a few. Are you at risk – hiding, putting on a brave face, masking what is going on in your life as if nothing were wrong? Depression and anxiety are two mental illnesses that impact thousands of women each year. There is help, support, acceptance and love, you just need to ASK.
Depression and anxiety can sneak up on you like a thief, you don’t see them coming and you don’t notice they’re there until you start to recognize the signs. Some of the signs may be:
It’s okay! There are lots of little things you can do to recover. The road to healing may begin with baby steps, dealing with one minute at a time, and then an hour and eventually a day or more as your strength and resilience grows. You may think you are weak and have given up hope, when in actual fact, you are strong and hope surrounds you. You have the strength and the courage to face anything.
The healing journey begins with Awareness, recognizing that something is wrong. Being in a place of denial and ignoring the signs that you need help, contribute to keeping you stuck. First and foremost, be true to your heart and your intuition, and then to those you love. Reach out for help – ask a trusted friend, family member, or significant other. Allow yourself to be vulnerable by being honest and give yourself the strength to ask for what you need.
The next step is Acceptance, being okay with where you are and allowing yourself the grace you deserve. Once you accept that you need help and help is available, the healing process may begin. Acceptance is one of our deepest needs as human beings, beginning with you; it is the best gift you can ever give yourself. You are enough. And you are where you are meant to be at that moment.
The final step is Action - without this, you will stay where you are, which isn’t where you want to be. Action looks different to you at different points through your life journey. Being proactive and taking control of your health and wellness takes action; here are some tips on how you can create the life you were meant to live:
~ Article was written and submitted by Lee Horbachewski of SimpLee Serene. She is a Vision Coach, Wellness Consultant and Speaker, who has recently chosen as one of the Top 25 Mompreneurs in Canada. Visit her website at www.simpleeserene.com and follow her blog at www.simpleeserene.blogspot.com .
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