Your daily reminder that you’re not alone
If y’all followed me on my OG Facebook account for any amount of time, you know I talked periodically about my mental health. There’s such this like, bad and almost shameful stigma around mental health issues that people are often so afraid for anyone to find out, to share what it’s like, let alone ask for help.
I’ve dealt with bipolar depression and chronic anxiety for years, along with a slew of other issues. But rn, these two are crippling me. I’m not talking a mood swing here and there, or a little nerves occasionally.
It’s debilitating. Insomnia. No appetite, nausea, digestive problems. No focus. Can’t bring myself to get up and do anything that I would normally want to do. Going days on end without showering. Forgoing responsibilities and then feeling even worse because of it.
And well, this has been one of those weeks. My body hates everything right now. I haven’t slept. I’ve barely eaten in days. I can’t remember the last time I showered. My skin is crawling, it feels like I’m on pins and needles. Shaking and tremors. My heart is racing. My mind is spinning around every thing I’ve ever done wrong, everything that is going wrong, and everything that may go wrong in the future. I don’t think I’ve stopped crying for three days.
In short - it’s been hell. I haven’t felt this bad in years. My doctors have me taking NINE pills a day rn. And I hate it, but I also know just stopping them would make everything so much worse.
I know SO many women (and men too) experience the same things and stay quiet about it. Everyone is fighting silent battles you know nothing about. None of us have it all together. Social media shows the highlight reels, not the bad and the ugly. It doesn’t show the HUMAN behind the screen.
I don’t share this for pity.
I share this to let you know it’s okay not to be okay.
And to remind you that you’re not alone.
Mental health challenges such as bipolar depression and chronic anxiety affect millions worldwide, yet stigma and misinformation often exacerbate feelings of isolation and helplessness. It is crucial to understand that mental illness is a medical condition, not a character flaw or weakness. Many people experience symptoms like insomnia, nausea, and chronic anxiety, which interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. Recognizing these signs early and seeking professional help can significantly improve outcomes. Effective treatment often includes a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications tailored to individual needs. Furthermore, the societal pressure to present a perfect image, amplified by social media, can increase feelings of loneliness and exclusion. Sharing authentic experiences and fostering open conversations about mental health help to create supportive communities. Campaigns such as #MentalHealthMatters, #EndTheStigma, and #AnxietySupport empower individuals to speak up and access resources. It is essential to remember that recovery is a journey with ups and downs. Compassion, patience, and ongoing support from friends, family, and healthcare providers play a vital role in managing mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to mental health professionals or support groups can be life-changing. You are not alone in this fight, and help is available. Embracing vulnerability and acceptance paves the way toward healing and resilience.
I can totally relate to being in that season right now. Take care of yourself ❤️ we matter