When I first acknowledged my mental health issues, I felt a mix of emotions – relief, fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. It was a daunting realisation, but also a liberating one. I knew that I had taken the first step towards healing, but I was unsure of what lay ahead.

As I reflect on my journey, I realise that accepting myself and my mental health issues was the most crucial step. It’s easy to get caught up in denial, shame, or guilt, but acknowledging the truth is essential. Once I accepted my reality, I began to focus on building my strength and resilience.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of self-awareness. Understanding my thoughts, emotions, and behaviours has been instrumental in my journey towards recovery. By recognising my patterns and triggers, I’ve been able to develop strategies to manage my mental health.

For instance, I’ve learned to identify the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or sweaty palms. When I notice these symptoms, I know it’s time to take a step back, breathe, and reassess the situation. This self-awareness has helped me to avoid escalating situations and to seek help when I need it.

Another crucial aspect of my journey has been learning to reframe my negative thoughts. For years, I struggled with self-criticism and negative self-talk. However, through therapy and self-reflection, I’ve learned to challenge these thoughts and reframe them in a more positive and realistic light.

This process hasn’t been easy, and it’s taken time and practice to develop this skill. However, it’s been incredibly empowering to learn that I have the power to change my thoughts and attitudes. By reframing my negative thoughts, I’ve been able to build my confidence and develop a more compassionate relationship with myself.

As I continue on my journey, I’m reminded that recovery is not a linear process. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but it’s how I respond to these challenges that matters. By practising self-awareness, reframing my negative thoughts, and seeking support when I need it, I’m confident that I can continue to build my strength and resilience.

Acknowledging mental health issues is just the first step. Building strength and resilience requires effort, patience, and self-awareness. By developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and our mental health, we can learn to manage our symptoms, reframe our negative thoughts, and build a more compassionate relationship with ourselves.

Remember, mental health is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to take things one step at a time, and it’s essential to be kind to ourselves along the way. By accepting ourselves and our mental health issues, we can begin to build our strength and resilience, and move forward with greater hope and optimism.

In conclusion, “Accepting the journey” is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. Even after seeking therapy and making progress, I’ve come to realise that mental health is not something that can be “fixed” once and for all. Rather, it’s a dynamic and ongoing process that requires effort, patience, and self-compassion. There will be ups and downs, twists and turns, but by acknowledging and accepting my mental health issues, I’ve learned to approach life’s challenges with greater resilience, hope, and determination.


written by Darren Parker

blogger @poemstellium