Healing Reintroduced Me to my Wholeness
During Mental Health Awareness Month back in May 2022, I submitted this piece to a to a contest that was centered around creating more awareness around Black Mental Health. Although I didn’t win the contest, I still wanted to share this with you all as we observe National Minority Mental Health Month. Additionally, I want to share this piece because: (1) this is my story, (2) it will encourage someone who currently experiencing similar challenges, and (3) it will serve as hope that there’s isn’t any challenge that you cannot overcome, especially, as it relates to mental health or emotional distress.
Healing Reintroduced Me to my Wholeness
My path to healing began about 8 years ago after becoming aware of certain patterns that were hindering me from fully living my truth. Initially, this mission was no easy task for 4 reasons: (1) I come from a Caribbean household where everything was a private matter and asking for help was a sign of weakness. Therefore, I adopted that as a way of dealing with my feelings; (2) Mental Health was not widely discussed; (3) I carried all the myths that I’ve heard about mental illness and being afraid of judgement from others; and (4) I had no clue where to start. I was skeptical, scared, and unsure of what to expect, but somewhere deep inside I knew I was ready to experience liberation, change my narrative, and change the narrative for others dealing with similar experiences.
I remember the day I took the first steps on my path to healing like it was yesterday. I locked my door, I was sitting alone in my room, and searching google for therapy resources. To my surprise the search was easy and I began my journey with my therapist for support with trauma, depression, social anxiety, grief and loss, and more. I was going to therapy for months without anyone knowing and that worked for me. In my first experience of therapy: I went at my own pace, shared what I was comfortable sharing, and gained new strategies and perspectives for dealing with my challenges. As I sit here and write this, 4 therapists later, as Licensed Social Worker and Entrepreneur, and spending the last five years supporting individuals around mental health and wellness, I can truly say that seeking support and pursuing my path to healing was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
If I had to choose one word to describe my path to healing it would be LIBERATING. Healing allowed me to make peace with myself and my past. Healing allowed me to get to know myself and my coping strategies. Healing showed me how to love myself. Healing reintroduced me to my wholeness. Healing taught me compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance. Healing is allowing me to walk in my purpose. Healing is allowing me to heal others.
10 things I want to say to other people struggling with mental health challenges:
Your feelings are valid!
You are not alone! Not alone in your struggles. Not alone in your healing.
Your diagnosis doesn’t define you.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
Seek support! Asking for help is sign of strength, because you are being honest and saying that this is too heavy for me and I need some assistance.
You can live a fulfilling life with a mental illness.
Be openminded, stay curious, and have patience, when trying therapy or any other healing modalities.
Go at your own pace, be patient and kind with yourself, celebrate yourself through the high and low moments as you do the work.
Don’t be afraid to break up with your therapist if you’re not receiving the support you need.
Keep going because your story will be the reason someone overcomes their own struggles.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and I hope that this encourages and/or motivates you as you navigate your healing journey. Please feel free to leave comments and share with others who this may also support.