Just OK

For a person who struggles daily with any kind of mental illness, there is always this voice inside that says there is little value in living.

EVERY.SINGLE.DAY is such a struggle.
Every day we have to find ways to be OK with just being OK. For OK to be JUST enough and good enough. To be content with the fact, that for us, it’s OK not to be over the moon excited about life when those dark times come OR ALL the time!

BUT if I am completely honest, those dark days are the worst because it seems that you can just turn the light switch on and off with depression. I could be extremely happy and excited about something one moment but then something happens. It could be something I see or feel and then it is back down the doldrums! Also, when those dark times come, there is also fear. The fear of how bad it can be or if it would be worse than the last episode. The struggle is more real than anyone could ever comprehend. Unless, you, yourself have experienced this!

The worst part of all this is that people who have never ever experienced these struggles try to empathize with you. I know for a fact that many are just trying to be compassionate and loving but I would just forgo hearing any kind of sympathy. For me, I would rather be hugged or be heard. Sometimes, withdrawing from people is almost a part of healing. For some, withdrawing is the most dangerous thing a person who has mental illness can do.

All we want is to know that you are there…

All we want to hear is that you will listen…

All we want to hear is that you will be by our side no matter what…

All we want to know is that a hug can be offered…

That a shoulder that is available to cry on…

All we want to know is you won’t fix it and you won’t try to fix it with your words…

That we are NOT alone…