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5 Reasons To Look Up And Be Hopeful
Photo by @alexatepaper
1. Because you are loved, and cherished
Know that no matter how much emotional and mental pain you are in, someone out there is thinking about you. They accept you for who you are, they don't care how you wore your makeup that day, what you thought you said that might have sounded 'stupid' or 'bad'. You are accepted for who you are as a beautiful, human being.
2. Because things will get better
Know that you have a bright future ahead of you, and every challenge and milestone; small or big, it will shape you for who you are. You may feel deflated, tired, anxious from all the noises of life, and it's dragging you down but know that when you are dragged down to the point you can't get up, you will learn to crawl, yell, or even scream through the pain and get right up where you need.
I wouldn't be here if I didn't go through the trials and tests that life throws at me, even it means going tohospital and be admitted into the mental health ward. The mental health ward tested my willpower and I didn't go by a day thinking, "I want to give up already". So I screamed, cried and even yelled through it if I needed to, to get the help I wanted.
3. Because every challenge will make you stronger
They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. You are to the point you are ready to give up, you want the exit emergency door, you want to scream out and yell to the world why life has been so unfair to you and you don't understand why.
But you know what?
Your 1% battery (like aniphone ) lasts in the last very minute of time, you use it to get the help you want. You learn to master an episode of Depression or Bipolar. You know when you start feeling depressed and down and you seek help straight away, whether that's medical or from a family/friend. Your 1% willpower wins all. And at the end of the day, you become stronger.
4. Because you have a story to tell
Everyone has a story to tell, and you will inspire and empower those around you who may have gone through the same thing as you. You understand their journey of being diagnosed with mental illnesses and you empathise them and help them cause you know what it's like to be in the deepest, and darkest pits of despair. You believe in the art of story-telling and helping others.
5. Because we are all in this together
Our lives are limited to less than 100 years. Only some of us have the fate and luck to live to thatlong, but know that while we are all still living and breathing, there will be people who will help you with what you need, your destiny will change as soon as you believe it will get better. You have the support you want and need.
So just look up, and be hopeful.
Mental Health Resources
Stepping Stone
3847 1058 A wonderful community mental health club house which supports all different kinds of mental health support. There are scheduled activities every day for each month - wide range of different activities include yoga, bush walking, and many more. I became a member, and worked a few times in the hospitality unit. I wasn't expected to do everything "fast" and "right". I could go at my own pace, and volunteer for as long or short as I can. I love that I am not rushed. This is why Stepping Stones is so supportive for those in mental health recovery. I always felt welcomed by all the other members too. It's just a very good environment to be in.
1800 RESPECT
1800 737 732 24/7 National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence & Counselling Service. I have called this service several times for the rape trauma I faced in the past. This is a very wonderful service, and although I have only used the telephone counselling service several times, the qualified professionals were always very compassionate and helpful. It helps to have a pen and notebook ready before calling, as they tend to give good, practical tips on how to manage the problem you're having at the time. Highly recommend this service.
Lifeline
13 11 14 Lifeline - Available 24/7. I noticed the times I was in distress and called, the calls were confined to a maximum of half an hour or so. It's good to know someone who can listen. This is a free dial call, and treated with full confidentiality. You don't need to mention your name, but depending on the circumstances, they may ask where your location is. I found this service to always be extremely helpful. The telephone volunteers are fully trained, and know what they are doing.
Acute Care Team (24hr QLD Mental Health Support)
1300 642 255 (also known as 1300 MH CALL) - I use this service as an existing patient with the PAH Mental Health teams as I was an in-patient at the hospital. You have the option to speak with a Mental Health Clinician. I found the clinicians generally helpful. I have a long history with the hospital, and they can easily bring up my file - as long as I say who I am. Sometimes I use this line to check on my future appointments with the team.
Online Forum Support
The online forums is a great initiative by Beyond Blue. The forums are fully moderated, and there are Community Champions (title based on their post count) there but they are real people who have gone through traumatic experiences in their lives, and volunteer their time and help on the forums. There are different sections for different topics around mental health such as; Depression, Relationships. There's also a forum for Young People to share, which I'm interested in. If you first stumble upon the forums, I recommend you not to read everything, as it can be easy to get caught up in it all (or maybe just me personally); but start off reading the guides, especially sticky threads to get a feel of that particular section.
