By: Smith F.
As seen in the May 2016 edition of The Wave Newsletter
Having a mental illness is a way of being unique. I, for example, was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and it’s given me a way to look at life differently. Now I appreciate the way my life looks. I’m able to withstand my illness with support from my family and friends. I learned to let all my emotions out, since it can only drag me down to hold it in. Expressing your emotions, as they say, can lift a weight off your shoulders.
To me, it helps to know what’s reality and what’s in my imagination. Getting a lot of advice brings peace and tranquility and a better life. Even with my faults, I tell myself, “I can get through this.” I try to participate in day-to-day activities. Thinking positive always helps, and so does recognizing what triggers me. Every day I wake up and set goals for myself to achieve throughout the day. I try to take care of myself, too, which is a boost to my self-esteem. Feeling better about myself also improves my mood, and I can accept myself and focus on my strengths. Since I understand my illness, I try to give back by offering what I know to others. Every day we learn something new about ourselves. We just need to stay positive and work on bettering ourselves.