No Matter How Dark It Gets, the Sun Will Rise Again

The Sun Will Always Rise

Mental Illness: The Story of a Mental Warrior

Someone within your reach fights against their brain each and every day. You may not be aware of it, heck, they may not even be able to grasp the scope of their struggle yet, but every Canadian is indirectly affected by mental illness.

One in five Canadians will struggle with their mental health in their lifetime. 

It’s a scary thought. To think that out of all the parts of the body that could be sick, 20 per cent of Canadian’s brains are suffering. These individuals are battling their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. In this moment, over six million Canadians are silent mental warriors.

I am a mental warrior and for me, food is my rivalry.

My illness built up slowly and then came charging in all at once. Throughout high school and into university my eating and exercise habits were abnormal but manageable. One day, in my sophomore year of university, something switched and everything spiraled completely out of control. I entered the darkest chapter of my life.

This chapter is filled with stories of my suffering as my loved ones did all that they could to get through to me. The story of how as my mum tried to feed me a bowl of cooked egg whites I threw up in sheer panic at the thought of the amount of calories I was about to consume or how I had to fly home and give up my lifetime dream of attending school abroad as I fainted and concussed myself due to being malnourished. For many months my world came crashing down on me but I was too sick to the realize how badly I needed help.

I couldn’t tell you the moment I was “cured”. Honestly, I think that this disease will forever stay with me. Although, I exude healthy eating habits now, I know that mental illnesses are no quick fix. I have periods of weakness and times of success, but through it all, I am thankful for my brokenness.

My brokenness, and the act of having to put myself back together, is what makes me whole. It gave me the strength to realize that through the support of others, I have been embedded with enough resilience to make it through the darkest days. My brokenness took away my smile, but my tenacity is what brought it back. I hope that my smile shows sufferers that no matter how dark it gets; the sun will rise again.

“No matter how dark it gets; the sun will rise again.”

To anyone that’s reading this that is suffering with their mental health, I’m sorry. I‘m sorry for all the moments that you felt like no one would ever understand that silent, but deadly fight you have every day. I’m sorry for all the times people spoke about anxiety, depression, bulimia, bipolar in a casual, comedic way. I’m sorry for all the days that you felt that your weakness would be surpassed by the power of your brain, but most of all I’m sorry if you don’t see those moments of weakness as a strength. To fight a mental illness is arguably one of the most admirable, courageous fights. By choosing to fight this battle, you are showing the utmost sign of self-respect. You are proving to yourself that you are committed to using your strength to build a better you, for you. I applaud you for that.

A Mental Warrior. A Powerful Inspiration For Us All.

HCM Lifestyle is grateful for the empowering, powerful and inspiring men and women who share their stories and help us all. Thank you.

Share your inspiring story to inspire others and follow HCM Lifestyle on social media to be inspired everyday.

Sharing is caring!