i keep forgetting that coping with mental illness means developing a set of coping skills that works for you, building a routine that keeps your mental health stable, knowing what your triggers are and how to keep yourself safe and feel cared for when an episode comes up. it requires consistent upkeep. it’s not about finding a “magic fix” that will make your symptoms go away. it’s not about doing the work sometimes and never experiencing symptoms again. it’s accepting that mental illness is something you have and experience—similar to another health condition like diabetes that requires monitoring and upkeep. these health conditions aren’t different but they’re treated like they are. you have a mental illness and that’s okay. given how stigmatised it is, it’s something most people will not understand, but what matters right now is caring for yourself. tending to your needs. accepting what you cannot control and being there for yourself in ways you can control. you did not choose depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, etc. you did not choose any of these things. understanding that and accepting that is very important. so, let’s get better. let’s de-stigmatize mental illness. let’s recognise all that we have been through and how strong we are for making it through all of the pain. let’s also honour those who experienced mental illness but passed by suicide. they were strong, too, just like you. And most importantly, I am so proud of you.
