Sometimes I begin to think I have life figured out. I have a foolproof plan to deal with all of life’s challenges. A great attitude paired with enough coping strategies to fight off any episodes my illness might throw at me. But when faced with reality, this plan crumbles. It is laughably unrealistic.

In reality I struggle during all of my episodes. Sometimes I get stuck. Flawless coping strategies are replaced by scratching and clawing. Just trying to make it through another day. Moving forward while trying to balance the weight of the whole world collapsing on my shoulders. I end up holding onto life by mere shreds. Feeling exhausted, hopeless, worthless. My battle becomes one of survival, not happiness and growth. But when I look back, I am reminded that the times of struggle often result in much personal growth. I learn more about myself through every difficult time in my life.

However this post isn’t about me. I am speaking to you.

If you are in pain.

If you are crying out to the world, and it seems nobody can hear. If you have been feeling low for so long that you are beginning to forget about the light. If you are tired of life and losing hope for better days.

If you have just recently begun having struggles with your mental health. Or if you have been living with a diagnosis for 30 years. Life continues to knock all of us down. And it hurts. Every time it hurts. It can feel easier to just stay down, to let life pass us by. I know for myself and others, we sometimes want to be left alone in the dark. We don’t want to fight anymore. But we continue fighting, just like you have been. You have the strength to keep going. You will make it through whatever challenge you may be facing.

If you woke up today, that is a win. If you ate today, another win. It may seem trivial, but the little things are so important. Especially when you aren’t doing well. Sometimes it’s just about getting through the day, the hour, the moment.

Mental illness can lead us to believe all sorts of things about ourselves. Our self esteem can take a big hit. So, I am here to tell you these things:

You are not worthless. You are valued.

You are not ugly. You are beautiful.

You are not useless. You are gifted.

You are not a burden. You are loved.

We are all in this together. Let’s remember to help each other. Especially when times are tough. We will make it through.