Find Your Voice

I started this blog purely because writing is my voice and I see no reason not to share that voice with people in my life that care. Since I have began sharing so much of my internal thoughts with the world, I’ve learned I’m not. I have had friends & family tell me that they can relate to what I’ve written about. They tell me they went through the same things. They tell me that they’ve never told anyone that before, but reading what I write helps them share.

It sucks. It sucks that it feels so taboo to talk about your mental health. If someone is diagnosed with cancer or diabetes, we make a point to tell the important people in our life. It’s something we feel they should know. It breaks my heart though knowing so many people feel like they can’t speak up about what they’re struggling with; even with their closest family members or friends.

I was absolutely scared to speak out, but once I did I found my happiness. The Pixar movie Inside Out shows it best.

if you haven’t seen it it’s an amazing film and you should watch it immediately. 

That movie shows us that you cannot have happiness without sadness. When sadness comes, happiness follows. It’s because when you’re sad the best people in your life come to comfort you. In situations where I’ve been the saddest, it’s almost like that’s when I feel the most love. I see the amazing people in my life in a new light. They give you pep talks you never knew you needed, give you the hugs you wanted. Sadness is so important to me for that reason.

Sadness shows your empathy. I cry because I care. I cry when I see the ones I love cry because it hurts to see them hurt. I’m happy when the ones I love are happy. I’m angry when the ones I love are angry. We are all humans. We are creatures of emotions, so why can’t we talk about them. You are deemed weak if you talk about them, but quite honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to talk about. It’s a subject I’ve been learning about my whole life, so I can’t shut up about it.

Sadness is healthy. Like anything in excess, it can harm you. Reach out if you even have the slightest feeling it’s unhealthy. If not to someone you know personally here are just a few hotlines you can anonymously contact for help:

US Suicide Hotline	1-800-784-2433
NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group	800-826-3632
Suicide Prevention Services Crisis Hotline	800-784-2433
Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline	630-482-9696

Never feel like you’re alone, you’re not. Find your voice and speak up for your sadness. Once you speak up, happiness is soon to follow.