A Personal Reflection on World Mental Health Day
Oct 14, 2024 4:01 pm
Dear ,
I hope this message finds you well. October 10th, marked World Mental Health Day, and so I wanted to reach out to you, our community of strong, resilient women, teachers and professionals.
As someone who has walked a path similar to yours, I want to share a deeply personal story that resonates with the importance of this day.
, a few years ago, despite being at the top of my professional game, my mental health struggles reached a critical point. I found myself in a place I never thought I'd be – feeling utterly alone, terrified, and lost. The contrast between my outward success and inner turmoil was stark and confusing.
The impact of my struggles rippled through every aspect of my life. Relationships that I had cherished began to strain under the weight of my internal battles. Friends who had always been there for me didn't know how to reach me, and I found myself withdrawing, unable to articulate the depth of my pain.
At work, where I had always thrived, I began to doubt myself. My confidence, once a cornerstone of my professional identity, started to crumble. I questioned my decisions, second-guessed my instincts, and lived in constant fear of being "found out" – as if my struggles somehow negated my years of expertise and hard work.
I share this, , because I know that mental health challenges don't just affect one part of our lives - they touch everything and everyone around us. And it's okay to need help, even when – especially when – you're perceived as strong, capable, and successful.
Caring for Your Mental Health: You're Not Alone
Whether you've struggled yourself or watched someone you love struggle, mental health is something we must actively care for. Here are a few important reminders:
1. Talk About It: You don't have to carry the burden alone. Speak up when you're struggling, even if it feels at odds with your professional image. Your honesty might just give someone else the courage to seek help.
2. Use Available Resources: In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's a free, confidential resource for anyone in distress or seeking help.
3. Seek Professional Help: Therapy was a lifeline for me, providing the tools I needed to reconcile my personal struggles with my professional life. There's no shame in seeking support from a counselor or therapist.
4. Practice Self-Care: Mental health care includes setting boundaries, taking breaks, and allowing yourself time to heal – even if it means stepping back from work or social commitments temporarily.
if you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I invite you to explore my Healing Therapy for Mental Health courses and services designed specifically for survivors looking to reclaim their mental health after abuse.
Today, I encourage you to reflect on your mental health, reach out for support if you need it, and remember that taking care of yourself is a powerful act of love - not just for yourself, but for your career, your relationships, and your overall well-being.
You are strong, you are resilient, and you are not alone in this journey. Your worth is not defined by your struggles or your successes but by your humanity.
Ready to start your healing journey? Why not start with my program, Ready to start your healing journey? Why not start with my program Live Your Truth? Let's work together to reclaim your mental health and build a brighter future.
From a mentally healthy,
Dr Sandra Hamilton