I received a key with the word "courage" on it from my mother. About eight months ago, I began seeking help for anxiety disorders and depression. In therapy sessions, I had to open up about past issues with bullying and various other uncomfortable subjects. Being an internal person made this kind of vulnerable environment very difficult in the beginning.
I remember telling my parents for the first time that I needed help like it was yesterday. I remember the nerves as I walked up the stairs to my psychologist's office that first day. I almost turned around and drove home. Even now, the changes I must make are so difficult that I want to give up, but I remember the reasons why I started in the first place and force myself to keep going.
When I began treatment, I viewed it as a weakness. I was so angry with myself that I needed medication that would make me calmer and less depressed. I was mad that I needed a pill to help me be "normal." This necklace reminds me that it wasn't desperate or weak to begin, but rather it was courageous to take that first step to changing my life. It took courage to tell my family members and friends that I was struggling and needed to seek professional help. It was courageous to make that call and first appointment to see a psychologist and to continue therapy sessions even when I felt like I was failing and going in reverse.
If you are out there and struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, getting help is the best thing you can do for yourself. There are names for these issues and you learn that you are far from alone and can change your life for the better. There are so many professionals out there that can help you on this tough journey. Yes, it can be quite the roller coaster, but at the end of it all everything will be so much better. As my psychologist once said, "It will be a tough road, but we'll get you there." So take that first courageous step to help yourself like I did a few months back... it will only make you stronger.
