Let’s Talk Mental Wellness

Over the years, many individuals have told me that I am an open book and wear my heart on my sleeve. I considered this to be a superpower. During my time running a popular blog, I posted daily, offering insights into life with cancer, sharing tips and tricks, and pouring my heart into my content. Sadly, that openness came back to bite me more times than I'd like to count, so I've zipped my lips since. We're in a world where peace can be shattered by folks wielding hatred and deceit like confetti. It's a place where cancel culture is alive and kicking. Faced with tough decisions, I chose my mental wellness over spilling my personal saga.

I withdrew from social media, dedicating my time to writing in solitude and focusing on various projects without revealing any behind-the-scenes glimpses. During this period, I faced many challenges with PTSD, cancer, and lupus, opting not to share my journey on social media. My mental wellness and health became a priority.

Recently, I confided in my therapist, “I feel safest when I’m a one-person show.” He gave me a knowing look and said, “That’s not independence... that’s grief.” And wow, those words have stuck like gum on my brain. It really does feel like grief, doesn't it? It's the sadness of reaching out and hearing crickets. It's the pain of being the sturdy rock while everything else crumbles. It's the gut-wrenching truth that only a handful of people were ever truly in my corner. And when I finally thought I had a squad and decided to spill the beans? Cue the betrayal parade.

I never sought out this strength; it was a necessity. Letting myself unravel felt like dancing on thin ice. Tears were like trying to wash away the rain—they didn’t change a thing. Trusting others? Often a ticket to Disappointmentville. So, I’ve stitched together a new game plan. Ready for anything, I’m the grandmaster of foresight, plotting ten steps ahead and proofreading everything—be it scribbles, texts, or even my own feelings. My mantra? “I’ve got this,” even when the chaos circus rolls into town. When panic and anxiety play tag and refuse to be “it,” I’m left lugging around their hefty baggage like a champ.

They call it being a strong, independent woman, but boy, do they miss the part where I’m a tired superhero, longing for a sidekick to swoop in and take the wheel for a while! At some point, my nerves started screaming louder than the peanut gallery’s expectations. My body threw in the towel on what my brain kept trying to justify. But hey, that’s not weakness—it’s wisdom finally getting its day in the sun! Thanks to therapy, I’ve realized that when I thought I’d lost my voice, I’d really just put it on mute. My silence was my fortress. Now, I’m on a quest to reclaim my voice, advocate for myself, and express all those bottled-up feels. This journey of self-discovery is like peeling an onion of fear and doubt, revealing the inner powerhouse I always had. Each therapy session is like adding another layer of superhero armor, teaching me that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s bravery in disguise! By sharing my story, I’m paving a path to not only my own growth but also connecting with others who might be on the same wild ride.

Across the globe, over a whopping 1 billion folks are tackling mental health hurdles. In the U.S., mental illness is like that uninvited guest who shows up way too often, affecting more than 60 million adults every year—that's over 1 in 5! And here's a jaw-dropper: up to 46% of Americans will face a diagnosable condition at some stage in life. These eye-popping stats scream the need for more awareness, kindness, and support for mental health battles. Yet, the pesky stigma stubbornly hangs around, often scaring people away from getting the help they truly need.

In many places, mental health is still stuck in a fog of confusion and judgment, leaving those affected feeling like they're in an invisible cage. This haze makes asking for help feel like climbing Mount Everest barefoot, keeping the silence locked tight. But just as we've started chatting openly about our achy backs and runny noses, it's time to give mental well-being its rightful spotlight.

By swapping tales and personal sagas, like my own epic quest through therapy and self-reflection, we can stir up a conversation stew brimming with empathy and kindness. Remember, reaching out for help is a badge of

bravery, not a mark of weakness, and embracing vulnerability can be the magic key to healing and connection.

Communities can become superheroes in capes by creating support systems that shout "mental health matters!" loud and proud. With a combo of education, advocacy, and chit-chat, we can karate-chop the roadblocks stopping folks from getting the care they rightly deserve. Together, we can dream up a future where mental health isn't just recognized—it's cheered on as a star player in the game of life.

Tapping into what my therapist calls my "wise mind," I've started seeing my past from a whole new angle. Life isn't a science fiction movie, but society sure acts like we're robots, expecting us to be on call 24/7. It's high time we hit pause, cherish our privacy, and truly hug who we are. I'm not the same person I was last year—or even last month! Real growth and deep reflection are the secret sauce to who we become. For ages, I felt like a silent movie star, but now I'm chatting with my inner kiddo, the mistake-making me, and the me who’s ready to drop the heavy baggage I've been toting around.

And hold on... Ah, the human experience—a stunning, complex tapestry woven with both joy and sorrow! It resembles a rollercoaster, filled with surprising twists and unexpected plunges. Just when we think we’ve got it all figured out, bam! It changes again, faster than you can say "plot twist!" So, why do we morph into harsh critics when the world is a constant revolving door of change? Perhaps it's that sneaky fear of the unknown, painting change as the villain in our story. We clutch onto old, comfy tales that no longer fit, like a favorite sweater with holes, just to feel a smidge of security amid the chaos. But in our quest for comfort, we might forget to sprinkle a little kindness on others also navigating their wild rides of transformation.

In those tender moments where our inner insecurities decide to throw a party, we might accidentally pass the judgment baton to others, spinning a merry- go-round of misunderstandings. But hey, if we hit the pause button and reflect, we’ll notice everyone’s on their own epic quest, battling monsters we

can’t even see. By adding a dash of empathy and a sprinkle of compassion, we can whip up a place where growth is high-fived, not frowned upon.

Remember, tripping and face-planting on life’s journey is as common as losing your keys. These whoopsie-daisies are the secret sauce for personal growth. Opting for kindness over judgment is like giving someone a boost and scoring a life upgrade for yourself! By embracing the wibbly-wobbly nature of being human, we can cheer each other on to become the ultimate versions of ourselves. Here’s to evolving with flair!

Friends, we're all caught in the whirlwind of today's world, but guess what? We can be the eye of the storm for each other! We have the power to be that much-needed anchor. Let's swap the teardown game for a good ol' support- boosting party instead. Remember, our words are like heavyweight champions; they pack a punch. Whatever you do, don't be the reason someone loses hope. Those contemplating such thoughts don't want the end— they just want the pain to hit the road. So, let’s be the reason they stick around, not the reason they're looking for the exit.

With all my love,

xoxo-Fab