Importance of Self-love

One in four Americans suffer from mental illness. This means that 18.5% of our American population is suffering from a mental disorder. Although there are many stereotypes surrounding mental illnesses, there is always hope for those who are struggling. 

All throughout my childhood, I remember having severe feelings of anxiety. Whether it be to go to dance class or to walk through the lunch line, it impacted my daily life. At the age of 10 i finally received the diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. I started collecting coping mechanisms and learned to live with my disorder. One year later, I became severely depressed. It was very tough to leave my house in the morning, and every task became a major struggle. Within the year that I fought for my life against myself, I learned many things. The number one thing that I learned was that self love is the most important thing in life. The relationship that we have with ourselves is the most important relationship we will EVER form. It impacts our emotions, our actions, and ultimately, the way our lives play out. The other thing I learned is the immense power of positivity. The thoughts we think can change the course of our day. It can change the course of our lives. I truly believe that there is always a rainbow after the storm, and I intend to make the rest of my life a large rainbow. On the other side of the clouds is always a bright, blue sky. It took me years to discover this secret haven of a mindset. It took many ups, downs, lows and highs to finally reach the point in recovery that I am at. Once I finally reached my six months clean from self harm milestone, the pride, happiness and insane confidence I felt was immeasurable. I remembered my darkest days, and then realized that I am living my dream; being completely and utterly in love with this beautiful life. I now look around in awe at everything; the beautiful sunsets, spontaneous trips to Target with my friends, how my dog rubs his nose on my cheek when he's happy, etc. Most people stereotype mental illnesses because they simply lack the information and education on the topic that will change the way they think. It’s stereotypical to say that those who are suffering are simply not trying hard enough, unreliable, or even lazy. Some even say that having a mental health issue is a choice. According to NAMI.com, 1 in 25 US adults suffer from a mental illness that severely impacts their day-to-day life. This is 9.8 million Americans whose problems are very real and very valid. The truth is that anyone can suffer from a mental disorder. A friend, a teacher, a neighbor, even a pageant titleholder. You can’t choose to be affected, but you can choose recovery and hope over fear. “The sun is a daily reminder that we too can rise again from the darkness, that we too can shine our own light.” -S Anga. No matter how dark things may get, never give up on the things that make you smile. I am not where I was one year ago, and maybe, just this once, change is good.  

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Written by Bella Drennen 

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