Earlier this year I received two mental health diagnoses. One did not surprise me at all, but the second did.
I have been processing and thinking through the gift of diagnosis a lot over the last few months. Yes, the gift of diagnosis.
Receiving these diagnoses was more affirming and validating than I ever could have imagined. Instead of feeling plagued by some parts of myself that have been bewildering since I was very young, I now feel stronger and more connected to who I truly am and WHY I am who I truly am.
What a relief!
My mental health diagnoses are not my weaknesses, they are my superpowers. Because of them I am more compassionate, more empathetic, more conscientious, more thoughtful, more intentional, more talented in unique ways, more creative, more adaptable to things others can’t adapt to, more capable in ways others aren’t, and more sensitive to the world and other people in so many ways that make me a better citizen.
So, ye, I am delighted by my diagnoses - and everything that comes with them. Including medication.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I am sharing my story with you because mental health diagnoses are not something to be ashamed of. And mental health diagnoses are not uncommon - which I learned quickly as I shared my story with friends over the last few months and had so many of them quickly reply “me too.”
My hope is that this episode provides light and hope for anyone who might be struggling to see all their gifts right now. You are not alone.
Links mentioned:
Join my free business training: 3 Essential Building Blocks To Growing A Successful Business
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: 800-950-6264
Depression Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
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