I have the will to try to optimize my life. I know you do too.

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I have always believed that in order for one to grow, one must reflect on where they have been. But I also believe that that’s only the start of one’s personal growth. We must have the strength and courage to better ourselves and learn from our past. Fortunately for me, I have the will to at least try and face my demons.

Now, I have to be honest, it sounds like I have the ability to plow through depression’s powers each and every day. Man, I wish, not so. At least not all the time. Personally, I have learned to be good with that fact and work on improvement when I am able.

As it happens, I have spent the last few days hiding from the outside world; PTSD’s flashbacks can often throw me into a depressive episode. Thankfully, like always, I got through it, at least well enough to function outside the realm of isolation. I do so because I have the will and the resolve to keep moving forward.

Self-care tips when in a depressive episode.

As far as I’m concerned, going full tilt all the time is not a sign of dealing with a mental- health condition. Similarly, having an episode of continual mental pain is not the demise of your wellness journey.

Read: Storytelling will Save the World… Yes, Even Yours

No, I would argue that, like your body, the brain can tell you when you’ve exceeded your tolerance. The difference being, that rather than it being overly physical, you’ve had enough mentally.

So, if we accept this as true, that our mind knows the score, we can make it easier to embrace the episodes that take the wheel of life from time to time. So you can’t go to work, enjoy large parties and go for days with our passions. It’s okay if you can’t. You’re not like anyone else; just know that you will overcome your darker days, and when you feel better you’ll end up with the will to keep going. Simply pick up where you left off.

Check out the book I helped to write:

Lemonade Stand: Vol. III 

Created by Josh Rivedal and Kathleen Myre, Lemonade Stand: Vol. III is a compilation of 20 stories from those who have served in the emergency services and the military.  In it, the authors talk about their battles with PTSD, a debilitating and for many, a life-long mental illness.  So, if you are from the military or emergency services, perhaps this book can help you combat the feelings of isolation and fear that frequently come with post-traumatic stress disorder. Sometimes, just knowing that there are others out there, just like you, can provide you with the strength and courage to speak up and/or get the help you need. The intention of this book is to help with that…. You’re not alone.

Also, Lemonade Stand: Vol III was written to help combat the stigma that often accompanies mental illness – and best of all, it attempts to give all who served their countries and communities a voice… Which is amazing!

Pre order today

1 Paperback $17.00 CAD 3 Paperbacks $49.00 CAD 10 Paperbacks $132.00 CAD 25 Paperbacks $305.00 CAD 1 Ebook $5.00 CAD

If you are struggling please go here for help: Crisis Services Canada

OR

Checkout our Mental Health Resources Page.

Contact me on my Facebook page: The Road To Mental Wellness

Published by Jonathan Arenburg

Jonathan Arenburg is a mental health blogger, Speaker, writer, and published author; He is also the host of the mental wellness podcast, #thewellnesstalks He has also appeared in the i'Mpossible's Lemonade Stand III. He has also been a contributing writer for Mental health talk, a column in his local paper. In addition, he has also written for the mental health advocacy organization; Sick Not Weak. Jonathan has also appeared on several mental health-related podcasts Including: A New Dawn, The Depression Files, Books and Authors, and Men Are Nuts. Since being put off work because of PTSD, Jonathan has dedicated his time to his mental wellness journey while helping others along the way. Educated as an addictions' counsellor, he has dedicated most of his professional life of eighteen years, working with those who have intellectual disabilities, behavioural challenges, and mental illness. He has also spent fifteen years in the volunteer fire service helping his community. His new book (2021), “The Road To Mental Wellness,” goes into detail about his life-long battle with depression, anxiety and more recently, PTSD. In it, he hopes to provide insight on how mental illness cultivates over a lifetime and, if not recognized and treated, how it impacts the entirety of one's life; right from childhood into the adult years. Jonathan lives with his two children in Nova Scotia, Canada. View all posts by Jonathan Arenburg