March is heading into April, building the anticipation for longer, warmer days. As we look forward, however, winter continues to reach out from behind. Here in New England the early morning chill is still below freezing and the afternoon breeze makes us reach for sweatshirts, not shorts. According to the calendar winter is in the past but it isn’t simply letting go.
Moving Forward
This reflection is perfectly attuned with the designations of April and May as
Child Abuse Prevention month and Mental Health Awareness month. Child abuse, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), can have a lingering and destructive impact on the millions who have endured such pain. Pop culture sources; be they songs, movies, books, of shows, that explore these tragedies are easily found. Psychological disorders and stressors of life can seem to be the freezing breeze that encourages people to wrap themselves in a blanket and become stagnant rather than step into the sun, imperfect but determined.
Posts in April and May will look not only at the pain caused by these twin demons but at the difficult journey of coping, navigating, and even healing. I will endeavor to offer incites beyond encouraging platitudes (helpful as they sometimes feel) and demanding exaltations.
A Heartfelt Message
Before parting ways before the next post I want to share a thought that, while applicable to all, may be aimed at younger folks (1). Regret, dear reader, is a poignant internal force. It robs us of energy, self-worth, and discernment. These thefts can happen without your knowledge.
I was first diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder in my early thirties. Over the course of two decades I have become increasingly adept at navigating those difficult waters. I started taking medication again this September, having taken a ten year hiatus from their usage. I am proud of my efforts and where I stand. I bet if we spoke my pride would extend to you.
Some of you are likely struggling with mental health issues – be it the stress of life, the lingering impact of your personal ACEs (which can include abuse), a diagnosed psychological disorder, or some combination of all of these. If you are struggling, that’s ok. You’re all right. Remember, no problem has ever been transcended without acknowledgement.
If your struggle began between the ages of 15 and 25…that sucks…but also, good for you. You see, you have a head start on me. Your healing journey has begun. I was merely coping at your age. The true healing process was delayed until my 30’s. As I stated earlier I can, at 53, declare I am quite happy with my mind and my inner world. I can also declare, with unshakable certainty, the most regrettable episodes of my life occurred when I was overwhelmed and ill-equipped to handle my tumultuous inner world. It can take a long time to forgive oneself for such failures.
Given your head start I can’t help wonder how you will surpass me in the future. I hope you do. I hope each and every young person struggling with some demon that pollutes their inner world surpasses me. You see, the more satisfied, mature, and well adjusted people there are in the world the better off the world will be. You keep working and I’ll keep rooting for you.
One last thing…Keep fighting the good fight, with all thy might!
Endnotes
(1) Of course, at age 53, I’ve noticed there is an increasing number of people walking around younger than me. I can not explain this phenomenon.
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