A letter to a struggling friend

Dear warrior,

Alone, worthless, sad, angry, empty, lonely, useless, blue, guilty, ashamed. You feel so many things, I can’t even name them all. There’s one thing I’m sure of: You can do it. You are strong. Don’t let it define you, don’t let it become bigger than who you are. Don’t let your disorder tell you what to do, and don’t be so hard on yourself.

Yes, I know what it feels like. Sometimes it’s chest pain, sweating, shaking , stomach pain and even throwing up, or your heart beating like you’ve been chased by dogs. Sometimes it’s wanting to be on your own, crying yourself to sleep and wishing this all would be a nightmare that will be gone when you wake up. Sometimes it’s wanting somebody to hold you in their arms and tell you it will be okay, and sometimes times it’s being numb, empty or careless.

I know you feel like you’re not strong enough, but just because you have to deal with it it doesn’t mean that you’re weak. Look at you! You woke up this morning, you made it through another day. Even though you’ve had a bad day, week, month, or year, you’re here, and I’m so proud of you! Dealing with a mental health issue is no easy thing, but you made it so far! And yes, some people might not understand how hard and overwhelming it can be, but you’re strong enough! Keep hanging in there, because things are about to get better. Are you waiting for a sign that it’s all going to be okay? Here it is. YOU ARE GOING TO BE OKAY.

You are so much more than you think you are. You are worth it all! You are a son, a daughter, a mom or a dad, a brother, a sister, or a friend. You are loved. You might not see it or feel it, but I’m sure that people love you. I love you. You’re unique, and nobody in this whole world can replace you. You are valid, you are creative. You deserve everything good this life has to offer. You are worthy of recovery. And most of all, you are a warrior!

Stop doing things you don’t want to, stop doing the things that don’t make you happy. Stop pleasing people, and chasing after them, the right ones will come in your life sooner or later. Stop beating yourself up or putting yourself down. Give up on the fear of making mistakes, nobody’s perfect. Don’t let the fear of future and the feeling that’s tied to your past control you. Don’t be afraid to change!

Please, always be yourself. Remember to do what makes you happy. Watch a movie, write a poem, draw, go out for a walk and take photos, dance, play a musical instrument, hug your pet, learn a foreign language, study something you’ve always wanted. Do more of what makes you happy. Do it. Don’t let other people tell you you can’t, they don’t have the right to tell you what you can and can’t do. Remember to enjoy the little things, remember to laugh. Never forget that you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. And, most of all, never forget that healing is not linear.

You are ready for life to take you to the most beautiful places.

Love always,