You are not your mental illness.

For a while, I didn’t really understand what that meant. I would say, I am depressed. I am anxious. So therefore, I am the mental illness.

It wasn’t until I found ways to manage my depression and anxiety that I realised I am not the depressed one. Or the anxious one. Sure, they are part of my ‘make up’ but they don’t define who I am. For a long time they did. Depression ruined relationships and being anxious used to hold me back. So much so, darker thoughts would take over my being. I can’t thank the NHS enough for support they gave me and referring me to Buckinghamshire Mind. 

As time healed my wounds and gave me courage to seek help. With the amazing addition of the kindness I received from others. I was enabled and empowered to grow. To let go. To change. I have coping mechanisms in place. And I am NOT ASHAMED! Sure there are days where I lock myself indoors and binge watch something on Netflix. Who doesn’t?

I learnt: We are whole. We are diverse. We are unique. While mental health issues can feel like they take over a large part of our existence and squish our purpose. We are still a daughter, a son, a mother, a father, a wife, a husband, a partner, a parent, a sibling, a cousin, a friend, a person.

A person, that as part of their foundation. Their make up. Has a mental illness. But also has qualifications, a community, a skill, a drive and a dream. (INSERT YOURS HERE)... That’s who you are.

And you are extraordinary