Mental health as you grow up!

Growing up has brought me face-to-face with some of the mental health challenges I once observed in the adults around me. It’s becoming more evident that many of them struggled with anxiety, depression, or the aftermath of trauma. Yet, it seemed as though these experiences were rarely acknowledged as actual mental health concerns or disorders. I feel grateful that I’m able to recognize and name these struggles for what they are, understanding the importance of working through them to improve my well-being.

It’s undeniable that adulthood brings its own set of difficult realities. Watching those adults, I saw that they often didn’t have the tools to handle emotional upheaval, whether it was a breakup, a professional setback, or other life stressors. They appeared lost, carrying unresolved burdens. Now, as I navigate my own journey, I see myself encountering some of the same “adulting” moments. However, I’m dealing with them more healthily and mindfully, striving to remain grounded rather than allowing those challenges to consume me.

One area I find particularly complex is dealing with substance addiction. It’s uncharted territory for me because, unlike the mental health challenges I witnessed growing up, addiction wasn’t something I saw firsthand in my family or close circle. This makes the journey feel all the more daunting, as I have no past examples to learn from. Nevertheless, I’m encouraged by the small victories I’m making in this area. While I’m still navigating these struggles, I feel more hopeful that I can live free from the grip of addiction as I continue working on myself.