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Today is #BellLetsTalk 
day. Having experienced anxiety/depression in the past, I wanted to share a thread of things that I constantly remind myself that may help you (in general but as someone with cerebral palsy, esp for people with disabilities):
day. Having experienced anxiety/depression in the past, I wanted to share a thread of things that I constantly remind myself that may help you (in general but as someone with cerebral palsy, esp for people with disabilities):
1. You are not a burden
You may think your presence or your disability is a burden on your friends, partners or loved ones. But remember that they choose to spend time with you because they WANT to not because they are obligated. You have value. Never Forget That! #BellLetsTalk
You may think your presence or your disability is a burden on your friends, partners or loved ones. But remember that they choose to spend time with you because they WANT to not because they are obligated. You have value. Never Forget That! #BellLetsTalk
2. You are enough
Portrayals of disabilities in movies/TV will have you believe you have to be a token of Oscar bait inspiration to have value. This is bs. Just be a good person with kindness and empathy - the world always needs more of that #BellLetsTalk
Portrayals of disabilities in movies/TV will have you believe you have to be a token of Oscar bait inspiration to have value. This is bs. Just be a good person with kindness and empathy - the world always needs more of that #BellLetsTalk
3. Know Who is Worth It
Your time and energy is valuable. There may be a tendency to help everyone or give to anyone who shows you the slightest attention by you’re lonely but that energy is limited before your mental health suffers so use it on people worth it #BellLetsTalk
Your time and energy is valuable. There may be a tendency to help everyone or give to anyone who shows you the slightest attention by you’re lonely but that energy is limited before your mental health suffers so use it on people worth it #BellLetsTalk
3 (con’t). How do I know who’s worth it?
Trust your gut. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good but are around when things aren’t. They pull you back into the present when you’re spiraling down mental rabbit holes. They are honest with you and accept your flaws.
Trust your gut. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good but are around when things aren’t. They pull you back into the present when you’re spiraling down mental rabbit holes. They are honest with you and accept your flaws.
its also important to allow that circle to expand. Because too much dependency on one or two people risks mental health lapses when they aren’t available. I’ve found extending empathy and kindness returns the same (even though there are leeches sometimes, again trust your gut)
4. Your feelings are valid
It’s OK to say no even to someone you love, It’s OK to disagree (as long as all parties are respectful and considerate of others feelings) and it’s OK to be not be OK. Don’t be paralyzed by fear that someone will leave if you express your feelings..
It’s OK to say no even to someone you love, It’s OK to disagree (as long as all parties are respectful and considerate of others feelings) and it’s OK to be not be OK. Don’t be paralyzed by fear that someone will leave if you express your feelings..
If they do, if they belittle you, minimize you, make you feel silenced and any less than the badass you are, they aren’t worth it. Vulnerability is too often viewed as a weakness but its not, it just shows that you have feelings, that you’re human
5. You are Stronger than you think
Strength is often measured by bs like how many punches you can take (as if dudes are constantly brawling lol) but strength is being emotionally intelligent, being able to solve conflict with communication and help carry others emotional weight
Strength is often measured by bs like how many punches you can take (as if dudes are constantly brawling lol) but strength is being emotionally intelligent, being able to solve conflict with communication and help carry others emotional weight
To get here today, you have had bad days and encountered challenges, these have left scars physical and mental but you survived. That’s a mark of strength and toughness. You are strong.
