The first 2 parts of this series provided rituals to magickally assist in dealing with negative emotions and even forgiveness. However, if you are really struggling to cope with life or are not coping at all, the most often overlooked solution is speaking with a mental health professional. I know that therapists and psychiatrists are not always covered by health insurance, government programs etc. but if you are struggling with issues you deserve to find a way to get help.
Mental illness is still not talked about enough and there is a lot of stigma attached to seeking psychiatric help. But here’s the thing: if the people in your life are those that feel seeking treatment means you are weak, lazy, attention seeking or the myriad of other ridiculousness that comes up around this topic, you don’t need to tell them! No one needs to know you are seeing a therapist or psychiatrist accept for you. Don’t let narrow minded people deny you the right to find health, happiness and balance.
It;s great if you can reach out to your loved ones to build a support system and if you have a partner, your partner should know what’s going on with you. What I’m saying is that you don’t need to tell the people who have these ridiculous biases. At least not right away. But that is something you can to discuss with your health care provider.
I am bi-polar with severe depression. My depression rarely has a source. There is no “oh that’s why I’m sad” moment. It’s more like I’m being swallowed by this big black, icy wave that comes over me, drowns me and pins me to the bottom of the black, icy ocean, taunting me all the while that it will never let me go. It’s not sadness. It is a sorrow so deep that I can’t bear to face the world or myself. There is no rhyme or reason. It just happens. It stops me from living the life I want. I am on medication, but it’s not a cure. Meds help manage the illness but I will always be bi-polar. There is no cure. There will always be days like this. It’s about trying to make the instances less frequent and to learn tools to help ease the pain when the episodes happen. I also suffer from PTSD. I have done cognitive behavioural therapy and other treatments. These methods work for many people.
Unfortunately, some people fall through the cracks of the health care system. It’s over loaded and if you don’t fight for yourself or have someone on your side to advocate for you, you may not get the help you need. Just remember, everyone deserves to be healthy. Depression lies. Mental illness lies. It makes you feel like you’re not worthy of love, life, or treatment. But you are!
If you are unable to fight for yourself, find someone in your life who can rally beside you. The process for diagnoses and treatment can be a long and arduous journey but stick it out. There are resources available. Help lines, hospitals, medical centers that treat mental illness etc. Get online, get on the phone. Do what you have to, to find help. It is all around you, you just have to ask for it and seek it out. Spirit listens when we ask for help. Have faith. I will say it again, YOU DESERVE TO BE WELL!
Though art God, though art Goddess!
P.S. I would love to see here in the comments section resources in your area, help lines, mental health centers’ numbers, websites etc. Please please share this info. You could save a life!
The Lifeline Canada website has phone numbers and resources for Canada, US. and international
http://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/
Suicide prevention services:
The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH in Canada) http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/Pages/home.aspx
CAMH Main switchboard (416) 535-8501 or 1(800) 463-2338 toll free, staffed 24/7