The year, looking back… overcoming fear and stigma
What better time than now – to reflect on the past year… its challenges and triumphs.
I would have to say that the year has panned out very well and I have so many blessings in my life now that I didn’t have before. Things have improved in many ways… but I am still consistently challenged by my mental illness and the stigma that comes along with that.
So, lets look at the positives. I have the most wonderful new abode in south Perth that fits me to a tee and I’m so happy at the end of every day when I remember that I’m going home to a beautiful, comfortable, positive space, where I can relax and fill up my cup.
I have a rekindled romance with the love of my life, Jayden. I cant tell you how happy this relationship makes me and it makes me wonder how I survived without it. I am still confident though that I made the right decision in regards to leaving this relationship 2 years ago and finding my own place in the world. We are coming back to the relationship now in a much better space.
I still have a bunch of wonderful friends… you all know who you are and thankyou to most of you for helping me celebrate my birthday last weekend. I feel so blessed to have you all in my life.
In terms of work, this continues to be challenging but I’m much happier in terms of my workplace, compared to this time last year.
I have managed to up the ante in terms of my public speaking. I no longer need to use a script when I speak. Instead I have a few palm cards that I refer to. This makes the whole process so much more enjoyable and satisfactory. I have had some wonderful opportunities with public speaking, including talking at parliament and on 6PR radio for mental health week in October. I continue to engage in talks for WAAMH trainings and may be on the lived experience speakers list for Lifeline next year!
Because I do have the odd off day, I still experience stigma because I think I am very easily misunderstood. People probably assume that I am less than others or that I am lacking in my life because of my mental health condition. The fact is though, that people don’t have the ability to step back and see me from a higher perspective. Where it is clear to see that despite difficulties, I have a wonderful, full and blessed life.
So how do I react to this stigma? Do I let it defeat me? No, not in any way, shape or form. As I spoke about in my stigma video earlier in the year, I just hold on tightly to my strength and resilience and strap myself into the ride that is mental health recovery…. In order to survive this ride, you have to hold on tight.
I read a book recently when I was on my holiday in Bali (which was amazing!). Its called “the life changing magic of not giving a fuck”. It really spoke to me and it mirrored how I actually live my life. I don’t care (or give a fuck) what people think. Sure, it hurts – or stings – when people judge me or stigmatize me. But do I let it hang me up? No. Water off a ducks back. It doesn’t affect the way I live my life or how I view myself. I will keep moving forward, no matter what.
It comes down to this.
I know what I deserve. I know that I am deserving of the best things in life. So I will not lower my expectations of what I can achieve or what I will achieve. I will always fight for what I deserve. And ya know what? Life delivers. No matter how hard things get, no matter how many people judge me or misunderstand me… I will attract the blessings I deserve. And this year is proof of that.
It has challenged me…. It still challenges me. But because I am strapped in tight, and holding onto my strength and resilience…. I will not only survive the ride, but I will thrive whilst doing so.
Kate's Niche 