Mental Health

Mar 1

My name is Penelope and I live with mental illness. I have struggled with this for as long as I can remember, it is uncertain whether my illness was something I was born with or if it developed over time. Clinical depression, schizophrenia, ADHD and anxiety are a handful of my diagnoses. Most recently all these titles were umbrella under Bi-Polar disorder.

Living with mental illness is an individual journey. It is through medication and continuous counseling that I can cope with my condition. Even with this help, sometimes I still find it hard to sort out the racing thoughts in my head. When things become overwhelming, I turn to my family for strength and encouragement. I have discovered that help comes not only from within but from the people and energy you surround yourself with.

I am 38 yrs old and still struggle with my thoughts and myself at times. It is crucial that if you have a mental illness, you receive the help and guidance you need.

You must be an advocate for yourself and if possible, surround yourself with people you know and trust. Mental illness is usually something that you can’t cure, but it is something you can learn to live with. We can’t choose the hand we are dealt, but we do choose how we play them.

Thanks for your Mental Health awareness pin and for listening to me.

Penelope, USA

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help.