Please Don't Give Up

Right now, the entire world is mourning the loss of Stephen "tWitch" Boss after his sad and shocking suicide. Whenever a tragic suicide like this occurs, I think we all collectively are reminded that we truly will never know what a person is fighting with in silence. Behind every person's outer smile, there is an inner pain that some wrestle with that we will never understand. We are all dealing with fragile emotions. This is a delicate time period in all of our lives. Sadness is an emotion that we have all gotten too familiar with. As we approach a new year filled with new beginnings and new opportunities, it would appear to most that there is so much to be happy about.

However, happiness is not an emotion that everyone is gifted with feeling. Helpless feelings of depression, anxiety and suicide are more common than we may realize. So many men and women are suffering severely in silence. It is so important to value seeking help with a mental heath professional without feeling guilty, ashamed or belittled.

One part of self-love is remembering that is ok to not be ok. We don't owe the idea of wholeness and perfection to anyone. Being sad is not a weakness. Feeling down is not a character flaw. Feeling unsure of yourself does not make you crazy. It is hard to see the silver lining while we are in the middle of the storm. When you are feeling at your lowest, please find someone to talk to. If you do not have anyone you can trust, please call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

I know how hard it can be when you feel like every single day there is a new problem or new impossible challenge. I also understand how it feels to be drowning in sadness. Remember that you are loved and valued. You are worthy and we need you here. You are worthy of love and you deserve to receive the help to be stronger in order to survive.

Seek therapy and find a safe, judgement free zone that will allow you to talk about every feeling of sadness or despair that may be weighing you down. Again, you are loved. It may not feel like it is ok now, but it will be ok soon.

Please don't give up!