“The end of 2019, I clawed my way out of darkness and decided to go back to work on the ship and to do things I love doing the most. Then the pandemic struck and I had my fears and demons visiting me and ended up getting diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression which I didn’t know I was battling for years.

2021 has been packed! Physical health took toll, started my podcast, got back to writing, found new dreams, began working on them, let my guard down, made new friends, walked endlessly, lived fearlessly. Pushed against the wall, I changed, I grew.
What kept me going through these years was one thing that my dad always told me “Whenever you are in darkness remember that it is like the clouds and this too shall pass!
I took charge. I cut all the negative ties, people, things and whatever it took.

During the pandemic, I found a purpose. I realised there is stigma around mental health and so many were silently suffering. I wanted to be that someone who’ll listen without judgement ,to let everyone know they are not alone and routed some to professionals where help was required. Many therapists and mental health professionals joined hands to offer pro bono services.

This continued through the second wave. And, I also joined hands to help arrange oxygen and medications as much as possible.
I understand there are so many things happening around us. So, if you’re exhausted, tired of it all, outraged or numb, it’s understandable. But I just hope you can remember this:
Right now in the face of the unknown simply surviving is the bravest thing to do. You have come so far. You are going to figure your things out. But, give yourself space and time to breathe and grieve. Rest and restore. And most importantly STAY.

Just keep showing up. And please reach out for help. Don’t suffer silently as there is no shame in seeking help. I can’t emphasize how much reaching out has helped me. When we’re able to share with someone with who we feel safe, we realize that the things that are happening to us don’t make us unlovable and it is perfectly normal the way we are feeling.
And if you still feel you can’t go on, I’m out here with my hands stretched out. You can reach out to me.

I’m now a much stronger person and so much better at handling everything life throws. Yes, sometimes I do have days when I feel low and overwhelmed. I’m like any human being. But now I know how to deal with those in a healthy way. I know doesn’t make me faulty, weak or any less. This makes me human.
I feel, I’ve accomplished so much and my smile is not forced. I’ve taken control of my own life and I’ m a lot more at peace than I was when I was younger.

Before I end, I only like to say let’s hold each other’s hand and help each other get through this dark time. If you are blessed with enough to survive this testing time, help someone get through this in whatever small way you can. Or the least you can do is just lend an ear or a shoulder.

And keep doing whatever you can do in your own way so that you can look back at your dark times and say it took the worst but it brought out the best in all of us. Remember, your darkest day turns into your brightest triumph.”

#life #journey #yearend #mentalhealth #life #inspire #motivation #happynewyear2022 #responsibility #Respect #hope #weekendvibes #Hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad