Mental Health First Aid....

Taking care of your mental health is the most fundamental things one can do for oneself. All mental health challenges stem from a traumatic experience. I would have to say that I am  a Professor when it comes to Trauma and living with traumatic events over and over. I learned how to be a survivor from the time I was a child and throughout my adult years. I became resilient and when I would break I would get up and fight again...but damn it.. I would never completely fall! I knew pain all too well and people had watched things fall apart in my life time and time again.... The things I had no control over. Death, murders, physical and mental abuse, suicides, peoples addictions and the list goes on and on.  I fought for people who couldn't fight for themselves and those we the very people that took away so much from me. I went in like a warrior slaying  away others pain; when they couldn't fight the battles for themselves. Where I went wrong is I did not take care of myself along the way. I was taking care of everyone else; while neglecting to nurture myself.. The stigmas that come from society are what makes people afraid to talk about what is going on in their lives for the fear of judgment or being misunderstood. In reality, one out of five Americans suffer from some sort of mental health challenge. From anxiety to Substance abuse disorders and half of Americans will have some melt down within their lifetime. People are afraid of things they don't understand; and to understand something you must get the knowledge to share the wisdom with others... My hope for our world is people will be more gracious, kind, loving and hold a listening ear to the people in their lives. Be the hope and light in others lives... but make sure you keep filling the light within you; as well. When your batteries get depleted; you will lose the energy to keep others charged or yourself.... as always, much love from my heart to yours....