supports

Today on social media I went by a post of an old friend. She alluded to mental health and questioned if it was appropriate to open and share her troubles with others. ‘It’s not what people want to hear’ she wrote.
 
This is my message back to her…
 
Emotions are meant to come in waves and it is our choice on how to ride them.
But if those waves hit you daily…
If those waves overtake you and you cannot get air…
If you can no longer control how you ride the wave…
It is time for help.
It is time to speak up. But to who?
 
When dealing with water you need support. You need people around you can help navigate, who can feed you while you do so and who can hold your head above water when all you want to do is give up.
 
You express yourself to those that will support.
 
My first two bouts with depression I shared it with no one. I was ashamed and lost. I thought I could take on Poseidon’s waves by myself. I didn’t want to bother a soul.
But then a nervous breakdown arrived. My brain shut down completely to save me. It wouldn’t let me get out of bed. It wouldn’t let me speak. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t care for my children. I was dying.  
This time I had to share. I needed help.
I shared with my immediate supports, my ‘team’ as I call them. My daily supports of close family, friends and co-workers. They got me through the pain and they still, to this day watch my waves closely and monitor my need for enhanced support.
 
Then this past spring I fell under the waves again and I shared it openly.
I was terrified to my core but I recognized I needed all hands on deck.
So I shared my story with my clients, on social media and with anyone who listened.
Supports stepped up from everywhere.
I was sent flowers, food and messages of love.
Not only did I receive support, I found understanding.
 
So my dear old friend, if the waves are too much for you to handle, please I beg that you began to share this with your supports. Start with your ‘team’ and then community and allow them to hold you up.
 
Sometimes I think we just need to get out of our own way. Let pride fall to the side and resist feeding the fear.
Lead with Love for yourself.
You need help and beautiful lady it’s okay to ask for it.
My supports saved my life.
And I truly believe that sharing my story, helps to support others.
If nothing else, at least they know they are not alone and neither are you.  

---