I donât really know what to say this #WorldMentalHealthDay. I think we still put too much pressure on the individual to ask for help and weâre not all ready for that conversation when it happens. There are also so many broken links in the chain of care when it comes to our mental health services. I know there are lots of caring, passionate professionals working hard but our processes and systems donât value the people in them.
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I know Iâm one of the lucky ones. Iâm grateful that Iâm still here and genuinely optimistic about my future. I regret how last year turned out for me but I also know I havenât disappointed anyone except myself. I know that my presence at university was valued and that I have a lot to be proud of. Most of all Iâm grateful for the new friends I made and how much Iâve grown thanks to my career.
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Iâve learned a lot about myself this past year and just how much my mind works against me. A lot of the focus these past few months has been on how much attention I give everything outside myself. But Iâve also had to grow comfortable with the idea that the expectations I set of myself are unrealistic. That some of my best traits can also feed toxic behaviours if Iâm not careful and I need balance.
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Although this summer has come with its own challenges for us all, Iâve also made nice memories with my friends and family. Iâm looking forward to a post-lockdown world where we can travel to other countries again and visit friends.
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Itâs an old photo from a few months ago but it captures how tired I am yet at the same time content. I donât think âthings will get betterâ is particularly helpful, but to my younger self: Iâm here and Iâm living and itâs worth itâ¤ï¸
Posted on 10 Oct 2020