Take a moment and watch/listen to this FULL song, even if you've heard it before.
When I first started telling people about my mental illness, it was the most terrifying and liberating experience ever. My philosophy was once "conceal don't feel, don't let them know," and then I had to accept that they finally knew, "couldn't keep it in, heaven knows I tried." I tried to make people think I was ok for years but then my friends (having found out about my self-harm) convinced me to go get diagnosed, then it became real. My school had to be informed, my parents and soon enough a slew of people knew.
Elsa and I connect in this song. Once I let go of my deep dark secret I felt so much lighter, more free. That's not to say that depression got easier to deal with but it certainly made life easier when others knew what I was going through and I no longer had to worry about hiding. Also, people talk. That's just a part of life. Now, most people (that I know, anyway) don't talk smack about someone struggling with mental illness but I realize this is a common concern for those in the situation. It's never as easy as just not caring what other people think or say about you; it takes a lot of strength and consciously reminding yourself that what others say is not your problem nor is it any of your business; it's theirs. However, it is possible and it is uplifting to let them say what they want to say so you can just be you.
When you look at your situation in the moment it can feel consuming and perpetual but, as Elsa points out, a little distance makes everything seem small. I got through moments where it's really hard and I'm not in a good place but then, with some distance, I can honestly say that those dark moments have served me well in life. It's those moments that give me a level to connect with others on, to build bonds of understanding and friendship. Those dark moments contribute to something that has become a beautiful part of my life.
When you stop wasting time and energy on hiding from people and trying to keep secrets, there are so many things you can accomplish. Look at the magnificent ice castle that Elsa builds as she tests herself and allows herself to grow. This blog is my ice castle and I know that everyone is capable of building their own (in whatever form that takes), if they're willing to put effort into constructing it. You are beautiful when you allow yourself to be you; stop pretending to be perfection incarnate and embrace the reality of who you are, scars and all.
When you look at your situation in the moment it can feel consuming and perpetual but, as Elsa points out, a little distance makes everything seem small. I got through moments where it's really hard and I'm not in a good place but then, with some distance, I can honestly say that those dark moments have served me well in life. It's those moments that give me a level to connect with others on, to build bonds of understanding and friendship. Those dark moments contribute to something that has become a beautiful part of my life.
When you stop wasting time and energy on hiding from people and trying to keep secrets, there are so many things you can accomplish. Look at the magnificent ice castle that Elsa builds as she tests herself and allows herself to grow. This blog is my ice castle and I know that everyone is capable of building their own (in whatever form that takes), if they're willing to put effort into constructing it. You are beautiful when you allow yourself to be you; stop pretending to be perfection incarnate and embrace the reality of who you are, scars and all.
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