Mental Health and the High Performer

When a person has been strong for long, it's hard for that person to realize when he/she is weak.

Maybe you've heard it too - that mental health challenges aren't real. My experience has taught me that mental health problems are real.

I consider myself a strong woman, and nevertheless, I've had mental health challenges.

In the midst of it, it wasn't obvious to me. I'm used to being strong so I'm always focused on getting over what I go through. But that's the problem sometimes; pushing through everything and being so used to rising above the challenges that come with this life experience.

With the help of loved ones, I have realized that for a while, my mental health status wasn't 100% alright. I denied it, of course, because I'm so strong so I always regain balance.

The thing is that though I try to be strong most times, I have mental challenges just like anyone else can. The time required to get over each challenge, and the intervention that's necessary are not always the same. I had to ultimately accept this.

I think of my mental health challenges as minor, but nevertheless, help is needed so that minor problems don't become major problems.

I value my life so much. I would not intentionally put myself at a mental health risk. But it happens to the best of us; pushing everyday to ensure that we're okay when we're not.

I've been through a lot of challenging situations and I'm just grateful that I'm alive and well today. I'm grateful that I get the support that I need when I need it.

I'm moving on with my life with an expanded awareness of mental health challenges, and this awareness will help me to help others who have similar struggles at times; struggles that can be hard to detect. I'm grateful that in this day and age, there are so many ways for us to get help with the various battles that we face from time to time; whether we have control over the way they happen or not.

If you are pushing through a tough time, please at least talk to someone who you think you can trust. If you don't trust loved ones, or just need an outside perspective, please seek professional help. All in all, I wish you the best in overcoming challenges that are often necessary to overcome.