Are you a caregiver, a single parent, going through a divorce, struggling with finances, experienced a loss of any kind, trying to process some disappointing news about your family, your health, your home? Have you ever been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, struggle with alcoholism/substance abuse or any other mental health disorder or just felt depressed or anxious at times? Have you ever felt overwhelmed or exhausted from pretending everything’s fine? Maybe you’re just surviving but not.... living. Are you tired of carrying the weight in silence? You're in the right place....

The Other Side of Mental Health not Talked about

It's normal to have these feelings, emotions and even experience emotional numbness when dealing with all that life can and will throw at you. Your feelings and experiences are valid. I see you. I was you. I am you.

For over 30 years, I struggled with increased alcohol dependency, chain smoking, debilitating depressive thoughts, crippling anxiety, dealing with chronic pain, self-medicating, self-doubt, and shame. I didn't know who I was, I was unrecognizable at times and nearly lost myself completely. I know what it feels like to suffer in silence, to feel broken, and to wonder if anything will ever change, but something did change.

Year after year of treatment, therapy, and relapse; treatment, therapy and relapse; repeated again and again was my life. One night, God delivered me by taking the taste of tobacco and alcohol away from me, I no longer had the desire for either of them. I had experienced a spiritual and mental transformation, just a complete restoration in Christ. Over time, I realized that I didn't look the same. I didn't think the same. I realized that I was mentally stronger; stronger in my response to life's disappointments, no longer dependent or tempted to smoke or drink to deal with stress.

The problem was.... that my environment was still in a depressive state. What do I mean by that? Our surroundings — the people we spend time with, the routines we follow, the organization of our space, even the amount of light in our space — can either drain us or support us. A nurturing environment reduces stress, boosts energy, and makes it easier to maintain healthy habits.

DPYL highlights how deeply connected our conversations about mental health, addiction, and recovery are tied to the spaces and environments we live in every day.  As we normalize conversations about mental health and addiction, we break the judgement and stigma.  Lasting recovery comes from more than optimism alone, it takes a holistic approach that integrates mindset, habits, and environment.

If any of this resonates with you then you are welcome to follow, connect and subscribe as well as join the conversation. Welcome to Depression Proof Your Life (DPYL).

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