Believing in Brighter Days
by Lisa
Like Kevin, I’ve come to believe that stories are powerful. When we share our story, it gives others permission to share theirs. My story has been a bit of a rollercoaster. It includes a lot of darkness, but just as much light once I chose to look for it.
So, let me take you back a bit. I've dealt with my fair share of struggles: depression, anxiety, and the heart-wrenching pain of losing my child in a car accident.
After the birth of my children, depression and anxiety were like unwelcome companions, showing up unannounced and overstaying their welcome. Some days, it felt like I was in this never-ending fog, just trying to find my way through. And then, the unthinkable happened: the loss of my 17-year-old daughter. The grief that has followed is like a tidal wave, sweeping me off my feet and into the depths of despair, but I’ve learned to be a hell of a swimmer.
Those first days, weeks, and months were unbearable. Suicidal thoughts? They were my constant companions. It's hard to explain how the pain of losing a child can push you to the brink, but when the yearning and missing are so intense it does something to your brain.
Amidst the heartbreak, there were tiny glimmers of hope. Hope for me came in the way of powerful stories shared by others who had endured impossible hardships. Hearing their experiences and their stories of survival helped me keep moving and keep my head above the water.
It took a while, but I started to find hope. It was in the small victories, like getting out of bed when all you want to do is hide under the covers. Hope was a tiny glimmer at first, but it was enough.
Moving forward through the pain has been one heck of a journey. It's not easy and a lot of work. I realized no one was coming to save me. It was all up to me. I started by shifting my mindset, the way I thought about things and the words I used.
It wasn’t about ignoring the pain. It was more about acknowledging them and holding onto the belief that, somehow, things could get better.
I started asking myself “What now?” instead of “What if?”. I realized that “what if?” is a powerless place to be. We can’t change the past. However, “What now?” put me back in the driver’s seat. What can I do with this mess? Can I help others? Can I honour my daughter’s memory? These questions helped me immensely.
Here's the thing. We hear it all the time, but it is absolutely true: you're not alone. We're all figuring this out as we go. Mental health is messy and a rollercoaster at times, but together, we can find strength. So, if you're up for it, come join the conversation, and let's remind ourselves that, even on the darkest days, there's a little bit of light waiting to be found.
Remember, you've got this. You're stronger than you know, and with each step, you're moving towards brighter days.
Lisa Boehm
PS: If you're going through your own mental health journey and need a bit of inspiration, I've got something for you: my podcast, "Rising Strong: Mental Health and Resilience." It's a space where we talk about real stories, share strategies for tough times, and explore how we can keep going, no matter what life throws at us. The emphasis is on resilience; how we can get through hard time and how we can keep going.
While you are there, make sure to listen to Kevin’s interview! Together we talk about mental health and humour and everything in between.
Disclaimer: Guest blog posts do not necessarily reflect the views of Sad Times or Sad Times LLC.
