It really is up to you to confront a problem head-on, reach out and build a support network that will help you heal.

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All my life I have had a sense that all people can be better than what they are at present. This, despite their circumstances. You see, humans are a very adaptive bunch and can not only survive, but thrive and overcome adversity.

I mean, we have survived ice ages, floods, earthquakes, and other calamities, right? So, why can’t we overcome the strife of today? Well, I think we can. Be warned however, making life better for oneself is no walk in the park. In fact, it’s akin to an ancestral battle ground. A turbulent environment where the name of the game was “eat or be eaten.” Personally, I’ll take today over the days of old, any day of the week.

Even though things are much better today than ever, the struggle is still very real. Both on a group level and on an individual level

However, we can learn a lot about the fact that we are still here. One question worth asking is “How did we make it this far?” A fair question, considering the unrelenting trails of centuries gone by. Well, the short answer is “connection.” Without the reliance on one another to survive, I am inclined to think we wouldn’t have made it to see the modern world.

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In my view, no truer statement has ever been made than “There’s strength in numbers” – a notion that seems to be on shaky ground today. That said, it really is up to you to fix it. To be more precise, it’s up to all of us to work together for a better world. While we may not be an animal’s dinner, today’s sabretooth tigers are those who want only power and wealth.

This reality is extremely hard to accept and is often the cause of stress, anxiety, and depression. Sadly, it feels overwhelming and beyond our control. And it doesn’t take a genius to see that power and control are divisive. Our society is being pulled apart by the almighty dollar and with it, our ability to support one another.

But…. We can still take back some control. How? By leaning on one another and forming strong bonds. It’s been essential for our entire existence; therefore, we can ill afford to let modern times divide us to the point we fall apart.

The power of human connection.

Get the first chapter of my new book, The Road To Mental Wellness – Free below.

Monster A Precursor For Illness

The Road To Mental Wellness – copyright 2021

This idea also applies to the realm of mental health. Because the cornerstone of mental illness is the feeling of being isolated and alone, a connection with others can make or break a person. Simply put, we can’t heal on our own. Despite this, we tend to try. The problem with this approach is, it’s not us making the decision – it’s Depression’s mindset. Let’s be honest, we all need help, every one of us.

Once we acknowledge the need for support, then what? Do we wait to see if it will land in our laps, or do we go after it? We go after it, of course. Therefore, it really is up to you to take charge. You are in control.

For example, I had to take the mental-health bull by the horns and get help. Furthermore, I had to learn to be okay with living in the uncomfortable zone. Of course, it didn’t hurt me to learn that mental illness has a way of hijacking one’s thoughts. When I realized that I had been taken captive, I knew I had to do whatever it took to get better. Tip: if your thoughts lean towards self-destruction, do the opposite of what they ask. It could be anxiety and depression speaking.

Once I reached out and built a support community of friends, family, and mental-health professionals, I gifted myself the power to prevent my demise. To this very day, it’s been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

There is a strength in us that can see us through almost anything.

If history has taught us anything, it’s this: we really are stronger together.

Jonathan Arenburg

Want to show your support for mental health through the clothing you wear? Check out Mental Health Merch at the Wellness Shop

In essence, I am alive today because of the actions I have taken to ensure that I get well and find meaning through passion and purpose. So, let today be the day you make the choice to save yourself by connecting with others.

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