Dear Neurotypical people…

dear people with mental illnesses…

I am not going to sit here and tell you to “look at the bright side!” or “pick up a hobby!” because I know you have heard that before. My telling you that would not be some huge revelation. I want to tell you that you are strong. This is a hard time, but you are resilient. I know you are alone with your thoughts, you are closer than ever to your temptations with physically nowhere else to go. Remember you are a fighter. You have the ability to get through anything; you have shown it time and time again. Remember you are loved, even when it does not feel like it. Remember that social distancing does not have to mean social isolation. When someone reaches out, grab their hand. Lean on their shoulder. 

I am going to leave you with something that my psychiatrist told me that really changed the way I look at my own diagnoses: Being healthy does not mean being happy all the time. Being healthy means knowing when you are down and knowing the tools to make it even the smallest bit better. I believe in you. You got this.

Sincerely,

Your Friendly Depressed Neighbor