The Power of friendship in difficult times
When I was at my lowest point, unable to connect or communicate with those around me, my family and friends were a lifeline. They saw me through my disconnection, my lack of patience, and my mood swings. There were countless moments when these relationships were the key to my survival. What stands out the most are the countless memories I have with those who were there for me during my darkest days, providing me with the love, encouragement, and understanding that I so desperately needed.
The Healing
Power of Friendship
Friendship, at its core, is built on support,
trust, and empathy. During my journey, these three qualities proved to be
invaluable in helping me navigate through the rough patches of mental health
struggles.
Melanie and Her Family: A Therapeutic Escape
I think back to the many years we spent at Melanie’s house in California, where
she and her family welcomed us into their home time and time again. The sheer
kindness and warmth of their hospitality were healing in and of itself. What
made it even more special was the time we spent at the beach—hours upon hours
spent by the ocean, where I found the perfect therapeutic setting. The sound of
the waves, the expansive horizon, and the salt air allowed me to reconnect with
myself. Melanie’s support, combined with the tranquility of the beach, helped
me work through the emotional turmoil I was facing at that time.
Stephane and Isabelle: Reconnecting with
Nature
Then there are my long-time friends Stephane and Isabelle. Our friendship spans
many years, and I’ve always been able to count on them for support,
encouragement, and a positive outlook on life. It was with them that I
rediscovered the power of nature in healing. Our long walks in the forest, the
peaceful moments spent fishing, and the hours at their cottage allowed me to
ground myself again. Nature, coupled with their unwavering support, reminded me
of life’s simple joys and provided me with the space to restore my mental
well-being.
Julie: A Bond That Runs Deep
Of course, my sister Julie deserves a special mention. We share a profound bond
that goes beyond words. She understands me on a level that no one else does
aside from my wife Annie, and her support has been essential to my recovery.
Our connection was instrumental in helping me regain my sense of self when I
felt lost and disconnected. Julie’s presence in my life has always been a
reminder that true companionship can be a source of strength when you need it
the most.
Stephan: A True Friend in Times of Crisis
And finally, there’s Stephan—my childhood friend. Although we may not see each
other as often as we would like, his support has been a beacon of light when I
needed it most. I vividly remember a time when I was struggling with anxiety
and hyper-vigilance, making it nearly impossible for me to go to public places.
Out of the blue, Stephan called me one day and told me that we were going to a
professional football game together. He didn’t care if we only stayed for five
minutes—he just wanted me to enjoy the experience with him. I went, and though
we left at halftime, the moment marked a turning point in my recovery. That
small act of kindness pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me with
my exposure therapy in ways I never expected.
The Importance of Working on Yourself
The key takeaway from these experiences is
that while there will always be people willing to help, but we must first be
willing to help ourselves. The effort to get better requires that we
acknowledge our struggles, communicate openly, and put in the hard work to
heal. Friendship can be a powerful force, but it works best when we’re ready to
engage with it and embrace the support that comes with it.
Each of these friendships taught me that
mental health is not something we face alone. They showed me that the path to
healing isn’t linear, and there will be ups and downs along the way. But with
the right people by our side, we can make it through. They helped me realize
that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but rather an act of strength.
They reminded me that recovery takes time and effort, but it’s always worth it.
Conclusion:
Always Someone There for You
As I continue on my mental health journey, I
hold these memories close to my heart. I am forever grateful for the friends
and family who have been by my side, supporting me through thick and thin.
Their love and understanding were crucial turning points in my road to
recovery. If you’re reading this and finding yourself in a similar situation,
remember that there are people out there who care. The key is being willing to
reach out, take the first step toward healing, and put in the work to get
better. With time, effort, and the support of those around us, we can all find
our way to a brighter, healthier future.
Don’t forget: you’re not alone.
We love you.
ReplyDeleteAs you said those relationships are important, I know for me when I am in those dark places I find it hard to ask for help or reach out to my life lines. But more than that I don’t always know to ask for help. Is that the same for you? How to overcome that?
Showing the vulnerability of those moments is hard, and having the conscious awareness to ask for help, when the knee jerk reaction is to retract into your own mind and isolate.
Here’s some of my takeaways from this article. 1. As a friend your simple act of kindness can be a meaningful impactful gesture without even knowing that what you’re offering is exactly what was needed. 2. during the up’s of mental health, self reflect to find those life lines you trust so that you can recognize those people you can reach to when you are in the low’s. Because when you’re in the low’s it’s easy to feel alone and “forget” there are people who want to help.