Living With Mental Health

Living with mental health problems has never been easy for me. Some days are easier than others. Some days I just want to break down and other days I feel like anything is possible. Those are my good days. A lot of the time I have good days. My husband really does try to help on my bad days. I know a lot of people suffer from mental problems too, and I know many of them may not have the support that they need.

I also know that a lot of the time the ones that don't have the support may not feel comfortable reaching out for help. Maybe it's because they never had help, or maybe it's because they're scared to ask for help. I know that I was always scared to ask for help when I really needed it. I ended up being forced to get help, and ever since then, I am no longer afraid to ask for it. Asking for help isn't something that anyone should be scared of doing. I know that is much easier said than done.

I know there are a lot of Crisis hotlines that people can access, and stuff like that, but those can be very scary. Especially if you know that you just need someone to talk too, and hear you out. I was terrified when I had to call for the first time. The only thoughts running through my mind at the time were "Am I going to be sent to the hospital forever?" "Will I be forced to go back?" and the list just keeps going. Eventually, I had to suck it up and call. When I called the first thing I said was "I don't want to be sent back to the hospital. I just need someone to talk to. I need someone to listen to me." The lady was a lot nicer than I thought she would be, and she just kept reassuring me that I wouldn't be sent back.

I was on the phone with her for about 10 hours straight. I had that much that needed to be said, and this lady did her job. She was amazing. Most people would have just hung up the phone, but she didn't. For the first time in my life, she made me feel heard. She sat there for 10 hours and listened to all my problems and everything I had to say.

It really hurt me when I realized that a complete stranger cared more about me than my own family did. If I were to have told my family everything I told this lady they would have beat me into tomorrow. I total a stranger everything I tried to tell my family.

People say that one act of kindness can go a long way, and even though this lady was just doing her job she was kind enough to spend 10 hours of her time taking care of one person. That says a lot about dedicated to her work this lady is. She could have chosen any other job, but she chose to work in a field that takes care of other people.

I honestly would not be here if it weren't for her. I would have been in the mental hospital for the rest of my life. Being forced to get help, and not having any freedom. I am beyond thankful for the woman who saved my life so many years ago.

So, in conclusion, If you or someone you know sufferers from mental illness, and they need help please share my story with them, and let them know that it's okay to ask for help.