Gratitude for the Journey — Mental Wellness is Hard
Hindsight is perfect, right?
The photo below popped up on social media with a post that I now know was foreshadowing of a couple of very difficult years that would follow. The mental health crisis that ultimately “took me out” was slow in progressing to the point of being disabling.
I was fortunate then, as I am now, to have so many generous spirited friends and family to nurture and support me. They were there for me. I tried to stay healthy. I was in the care of a physician and therapist.
But depression, anxiety, and ultimately PTSD got the better of me. I grasped for everything I could to simultaneously confront and avoid what was happening to me.
Maintaining mental health is hard!!
Even though I was being treated with therapy and medication, these chronic issues were like other diseases that can debilitate you even under the watchful eye of a physician, therapist, and well informed friends and family.
Anyone who has suffered from a chronic disease or survived a diagnosis with a bleak prognosis, knows how difficult this can be.
No single issue, person, event, diagnosis, or circumstance contributed to my illness. It was cumulative. It was devastating. It was life changing.
I share all of this now with gratitude for the people who supported me in this journey. I am grateful that I have been dedicated to my own wellness. I’ve worked hard, developed strength and I’m a survivor. I am grateful to have gathered resources and developed practices that are helping me thrive.
Building awareness, consistent treatment, diligent wellness practices, and thoughtful prevention strategies have helped me to this point. You can harness these for yourself or in support of others.
You can be the supportive person that asks hard questions or confronts difficult issues. You can also be the person who is just present and available to comfort and to listen. Be mindful to care for yourself so that you can be more fully present for others.
You can develop practices that help you sit with negative people, tragic events, and shadow emotions. My journey is evidence that gratitude, keen emotional awareness, as well as medical and therapeutic interventions are within reach and they work.
Sharing is not intended to deliver what some have called or experienced as “toxic positivity.” Darkness and light definitely coexist. The choices I have made to get and stay healthy include: what I focus on, and how I respond.
If you have questions or want to be more aware and more active in your own mental health or to support someone who is struggling, please feel free to message me.
Be well. Be present.
Gratitude, kindness, and compassion are all great shifters.
Happy New Year!
Make each day a Happy New Day!
In crisis?
For 24/7 Support:
Text MHA to 741741
Call 800–273–8255
(Please note: I am not a mental health professional. If you are experiencing a significant crisis, please call 911, seek medical and professional services, or call an employee assistance or crisis line.)
Darin Hollingsworth is a survivor of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. He writes and speaks about his journey in hopes of encouraging others to take care of themselves and to destigmatize mental illness. He volunteers and walks to raise awareness and funds for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Darin is also the creator and host of the podcast “Working Gratitude.” Additionally, Darin is an executive coach, philanthropy and nonprofit consultant.
