To Anybody Suffering With a Mental Illness

This article is aimed at anybody who has, (or is looking after someone with), a mental illness.

It is important that you know that mental illnesses will not always have this hold on you. The depression, anxiety, self hatred, eating disorder or any other suffering you are going through does not define who you are. The mental illness you have right now is merely an attachment, you still have a wonderful personality, soul, humour and heart beneath.

Do you remember what you were like, before you had to struggle? What your favourite things were? What mattered to you?

None of that has gone. It has just been pushed aside by an unpleasant illness that is very hard to get rid of.

Please try to remember that this is a difficult part of your life that will pass, eventually, and that you must not forget about the amazing qualities you have. Respecting yourself will target the negative thoughts you can't always control.

Depression does not like it when you are laughing- so laugh. Find something that gives you joy, and do it once a day, watch a funny movie for a while or give into a guilty pleasure. Do not deny yourself happiness, you deserve to be happy.

Anxiety hates it when you are calm- so spend time with people (or even yourself) that put you at ease. Take a night out to relax and read a book or make some art.

A mental illness might tell you something "bad" about yourself, and the thought will circle in yourhead for days. So each time it does, name 3 BRILLIANT things about yourself in return. Fight for something you believe in or try something new.

Nobody gets to decide when mental illnesses come upon them, but I urge you today not to give up the fight against yours and to recognise your self-worth. You have a lot of potential and you can achieve incredible things. Loving yourself will not fuel your mental illness, but fuel your confidence within and soon, you could start to feel a little better.

I hope you all have a beautiful day, and that this points some of you towards a happier place. I know it is difficult, but it isn't impossible. Feel free to message me or another listener if you need to talk more. <3 :)