My mental health journey has been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to go through, it’s a rollercoaster, and it hit so quickly. When I was a teen I was pretty much the same person I am right now, I’m super bubbly, loving and caring – also very opinionated. Lately I’ve been looking back and looking at the person in the photos and barely recognising the person that I’m seeing, not because I’ve changed that much, but because I feel like I’m in a stronger place. So what would I tell my teenage self about mental health?
Never be ashamed of your struggle
As someone who pretty much didn’t leave the house on my own for about 4 years, I always felt ashamed when I first got diagnosed. I thought people would judge me, they would think I’m weak or something and I’m not. No one should ever be ashamed of mental health, mental health is a struggle, you will have good days and bad days, but you’re strong, be proud of yourself for continuing the fight.
Admitting something is wrong isn’t a sign of weakness
Like I said above you should never be ashamed of struggling, if you know something isn’t right going to the doctor is so important. It doesn’t show that you’re weak by saying something is wrong I think I need to go to the doctor, it shows strength to say, look I need to talk to someone about this.
You realise who your true friends are
Since anxiety, depression and agoraphobia hit me about 4 years ago, you realise your true friends and the people who are going to stick around through everything! I mean the right people will stay by your side through it all, they won’t back away and support you through the good and bad.
You are not defined by your mental health
If there is one thing that I have learned is the fact that you are not defined by your mental health, your struggle is a part of you, but that doesn’t mean that you are defined by it. Your diagnosis doesn’t stop you from being able to do anything you want. You are more than your diagnosis.
It will be okay
Over the years when people have said it will be okay, I’ve honestly thought seriously? Will this cloud ever be lifted? And they were right, they were there through it all and it got so much better, it took time, but I’m getting there. Not everyday will be perfect, but taking the good with the bad and going from there.
It will be the hardest struggle you’ll ever experience but never give up
I’ve wanted to give up and give in to my mental health and say I can’t do it anymore, but what got me through those days was the people around me, the doctors that never gave up on me, my husband that dried my tears constantly, supported me through it all and my loved ones that listened to me babble throughout the day. Mental illness is hard, but guess what? You’re stronger.
These are things I would tell my teenage self if they knew what I would be facing years down the line. I mean teenage me might not have completely listened to it, but on bad days it might have helped me through those bad days.
What would you say to your teenage self? Let me know in the comments!
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‘it will be okay’ is always a hard one, while its not okay now, things do get better x
I totally understand that angel, I think while you’re going through things it is hard to think It will be okay, but you will get there! xxx
I agree so much with the ‘you find out who your friends are’. You really do and sometimes it can hurt but in the end you realise you are so much better off without them x
It can be absolutely heart breaking when you realise who your true friends are, it’s awful but it’s a journey that has to be taken xxxx
Great post! I never suffered with any mental health issues when I was a teen – I didn’t even know what a panic attack was and I was incredibly naive. So I’d love to tell my teen self that you’re going to struggle and you’re going to have to grow up.
It would be easier if we could have a chat with ourselves back then, I think it would help us on our journey! xxxx
My mental health has never been crazy bad but when I was eighteen and at uni I definitely had a sip that I didn’t know what it was. If id have to read this and seen your advice then then maybe I would have kept my head up and been able to talk!
Look at where you are now too though my lovely, you’re doing so well! xxxx
This is great advice. I tell myself some of it but then I don’t even take my own advice!
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
I know what you mean, I’m trying so hard to take my own advice more! xxxx
This is such good advice – I’d definitely like to tell my teenage self some of these – because at the time I was definitely going through some stuff without even really knowing about it! xo
Sian | http://www.siankathrine.co.uk
I think we would all say something to our younger selves about mental health, just so we have an understanding xxxx
Mental health issues really are one of the hardest things to experience. There’s no escape from your own mind, but it’s so inspiring to see women like you spreading love and encouragement for the rest of us.
With love,
Harley
http://thebalancedbelles.com
I think it is important to spread the love and encourage people to share their experiences! xxxxx
This is great advice, I wish someone had been there to tell me this too. I felt so alone with my problems, but the online MH community has (fortunately) proved me very wrong.
❤️ – Anne 🌸
I know what you mean angel, but you’ve always got me and I’m here for you no matter what angel! xxxx
Such good advice! I have to admit I’m still working on your second point. It’s hard and a continuing journey.
The ecoLogical
The journey will be hard but you will get there, just keep going, you will get there I promise!
xxx
I love this post so much and totally relate to your struggles, I’d tell myself that it gets better and just because you think something is bad doesn’t mean it will be and finally just because today is bad doesn’t mean tomorrow will be.
Ezara – https://www.ehbeauty.com
These are such amazing thoughts! I wish I could talk to my past self! xxx
Thanks for sharing your struggles. I feel your pain. I’m glad you have support! Hope all is well with you these days.
This is such a fantastic post!! It’s so important that people feel comfortable to be able to speak about their mental health and like you say, there is nothing shameful about admitting needing help and doing the best thing for yourself. I think I’d tell my younger self to keep seeing the light – it was just after I came out of my teens that everything went downhill for me, so if I could tell her that it will get there, you’ll make it through it, then who knows, maybe things would have been different?