Mental Illness: "Doesn’t Impact The Mind Alone"
"The raw, real truth about the battles I fight daily to live another day. A brilliant epiphany or a single life-improving hack."
“In honor of "Mental Health Awareness Month" last month, I’ve partnered with friend of mine Matthew Camilléri Joseph to help destigmatize the conversation around Mental Health. I will give insight into my own mindfulness journey also share his own mental health routine and stories.”
On June 28th, 2021 — Matt Yosef’s got emotional on Monday’s this evening as he discussed his mental health battle with me. Matthew’s who announced in August when he was 23 he was gay revealed, he has needed "a lot of help" in recent times.
During the discussion, Matthew bravely shared:
"Over the next few weeks I will be talking quite a lot about my mental health and where my head has been in recent times. It's surprising how you think you've got a grip on everything and suddenly your head takes you to dark and scary places."
(Matthew's said):
"The raw, real truth about the battles I fight daily to live another day, a brilliant epiphany or a single life-improving hack."
For the first 21 years of my life, I considered myself to be blessed with limited to no mental illness. This past summer however, that all changed. Various circumstances in my life led me to get hit by mental health challenges that have rocked me in a way I’ve never felt before.
Some days were easier, while some days were much harder. Through all the tough times though, I was able to experience first hand the incredible support system around me. Friends, family, co-workers and councillors have been incredible, and for them I am eternally grateful.
“Knowing that there are plenty of resources out there that can continue to help me through these challenging times has made me confident that I will continue to get better every day.”
With that being said, I know that there are fantastic people around the world that are having a tougher time in their battle with mental health. As someone who gained a deeper understanding for how challenging mental illness can be to fight alone, I want to help in any way I can.
Furthermore, I encourage everyone who may be struggling with mental illness to reach out to me however they wish if they need to talk! I know that some days will be good and some may be just awful, but I promise that the world is a much better place with you in it.
Everyday I am fighting a battle inside me, not knowing how I will be feeling or what mood I will be in. Some days I feel like super men, and other days am sad and just want to die. So if I seem confused or maybe act differently understand am fight my battle.
“Mental illness is a demon, people forget how much of a battle this shit and how hard it is to fight that battle.”
You know when you’re having a nightmare and you’re trying to run, fight, or scream but your body is paralysed. You try to speak but nothing comes out and no matter how hard you fight to wake yourself up, you can’t. That’s how it can feel to battle mental illness. Be kind
When I’m fighting mental illness, I’m fighting a silent battle and no one sees just how hard I’m constantly having to fight.
My Advice:
— If you love someone with a mental illness, listen to them. You don’t have to fully understand their battle to be supportive. Ask them how you can help, show them that they don’t have to fight alone. Your presence in their life can make the biggest difference.
— Depression is not a choice. It’s a mental illness, a daily battle. People don’t just wake up and chose to feel suicidal, hopeless, not good enough, empty, lonely, or even numb. So instead of judging someone for "always being sad" how about you help them fight their battle.
— Mental illness may be a battle you fight, but it isn’t a fight you have to do alone. Reach out to the people who care about you and professionals. You are not alone.
— Mental illness is not an easy battle to fight until you’ve dealt with it don’t tell us who are dealing with it how easy it is to get over it.
— Mental Illness is not a weakness. Those who suffer from mental illness are no less than those who do not. Nevertheless, please be mindful of how you talk to and treat others. You never know the internal battle people fight everyday just to walk outside.
How have people helped you fight your battles?
— Having a mental illness isn’t easy it’s a constant battle with your mind but no matter how hard it gets I’m going to continue to fight everyday.
— Body shaming has to be one of the most detrimental things you can do to anyone but especially someone with an ed. Some of yall truly do not get how triggering that can be, its a disease that demis fought her entire life and yall wanna feed into the toxicity of the disorder so bad its foul and despicable.
— One of the worst things about having a mental illness is you not only have to fight the battle in your mind 24/7 but to have the whole world talking about every pound you gain or lose/how your body looks all the time just feeds the disorder and triggers it.
— I don’t think people seriously realize how horrible body shaming is and what it can do to someone. When you have to fight your demons everyday and people continue to confirm the demons you’re trying so hard to fight, it soon seems not worth it anymore. Thats what youre doing to people youre saying its ok that they feel inadequate, worthless, insecure, huge, ugly, disgusting, shameful, etc. By saying someones “fat” youre putting that person and their recovery in serious danger. If you can’t say someone’s beautiful and incredible shut the entire fuck up. Seriously
— You obviously have no idea about depression and how it works. From someone who fights depression everyday, thank your lucky stars it’s not a battle you have to fight. Oh, and show some damn compassion from your privileged position of not suffering from mental illness.
I get on Instagram to laugh joke and spit real life shit with people but I’m being very clear "FUCK YOU." — I pray you never have to face mental illness or anything close to what people face with when they have mental health concerns you’ll fold like a bitch.
“What I share on here is the absolute truth of how my recovery. I don’t sugarcoat anything because I believe people need to see the reality of the battle with mental illness. Yet at the same time describe the good days just as much and explain why they are so worth the fight.”
It’s 2021 and we’re still fighting the stigma. Mental illness should be treated as with any other illness with sensitivity and care.
I’m one of those who silently suffer and this is the first time I’m sharing this because of said stigma, be more understanding and take time to check on someone you know who has mental illness. It is a battle we face everyday and support is one of the best ways you can help.
A simple “how are you?” can change someone’s mood and make them feel loved. It’s not something to joke about, fight the stigma.
It makes me so angry how many people are close minded about mental illness and how they believe it isn’t real, wake up! It’s real. So many people struggle from it everyday including myself and I fight a battle everyday so don’t be the ignorant person in the world.
“Like my brain is so messed up I convince myself daily that I’m not good enough for anyone or anything and it so fucking tiring.” — It’s an excruciating battle that makes you feel isolated and alone no matter how many people you have around. Mental illness is crippling, I’m sorry for anyone have to deal this fight.
If I’m grateful to mental illness for first thing it’s this: "Thank God." — I’m far better equipped to defend myself against stigma and discrimination (perceived or otherwise) of any type and to fight for justice no matter how tough the battle and no matter how long it takes.
1 in 5 people are effected by a mental illness during their lifetime. “Sometimes you may know someone struggling with a mental illness, sometimes you may live with someone who fights a mental illness every day and ometimes, it may be you.”
Fighting the mental illness, there will be good days, bad days, sad days, “too much” days, awesome days, exhausted days and even “can’t do this anymore” days also every day you show up ready to enjoy the ride, fight the battle, or just try to make it through the day.
- No matter how you feel, those are your feelings, and they are completely valid.
- It’s okay to not be okay, you are more than your illness and that does not define you.
- Your strength and courage define you, you decide how you want to be defined.
- Your mental health is not a personal failure. So be kind to your self, and be kind to others because everyone you meet could be fighting a battle that you can’t see or know anything about.
Thank you to those who sent kind words, love, etc. When you have a mental illness, sometimes your mind spirals to scary places. Something about rejections are triggering to me depending on how they are worded.
“It’s a battle I fight daily, but I don’t always win. So thank you for holding me up and giving me the energy to continue to fight. I’m blessed to have you all in my life. Words can never express how much reaching out to me means.”
Thankful for my family and everyone who cared to asked how I’ve been, mental illness is a huge battle to fight against. It definitely isn’t impossible with a great support system. We all struggle but its how we put our mind into living better. Let that sink in!
”You may have to fight a battle more than once.” — Your mental illness doesn’t define you, how you deal with it defines you, it’s okay to have rough difficult days and it’s okay to need help, if you are fighting the battle on your own we are here.
I hope you know how loved you are. You are not a burden even though you struggle with mental illness. You deserve all the love you freely share with the world in return, unconditionally.
I know some days are exhausting, constantly battling yourself. It makes life scary and hard, sometimes impossible.
- It’s okay if you can’t function some days.
- It’s okay if it takes you longer to do things than others, you’re doing your best and that’s what counts.
Chronic mental illness sucks and I’m so sorry you deal with it. I hope you know how resilient you are. You fight an invisible battle with yourself every day; sometimes every second of every day. you are so capable to overcome anything you’re going through.
“Today I am proud of myself for continuing to fight against my mental illness. Everyday is a new battle, but I am learning how to love myself, care for others and most importantly how to be myself.”
Special thanks to:
