The one where we normalize asking for help

It feels like it has rained 50 of the last 60 days here in North Carolina. Add to that January usually comes with some mental health issues for Jenny who shares about being diagnosed with depression and feeling aware of her condition even as a young child. Now in her 40s, she looks at it as a part of her while the first part of her life was spent trying to “fix it.”

There was self-harm involved, there was suicidal ideation. For her, it wasn’t so much about wanting to die, but not wanting to live. Mental health does not fit into a box, and the experiences can be unique to everyone.

It can take a long time to dial in the kind of medication that works for you. That was Jenny’s experience. There is a stigma with using medication.

Think of inside your brain as a bunch of tree branches, but some are snapped and so the nutrients can’t flow. Your body is lacking that chemical to complete the tree, there is no shame in that.

Another important component for Jenny has been connecting with the right therapist.

We also talk about the role of self-care and the stigma attached to self-care.

Whatever “help” is for you make sure to make time in your life. What works for other people may not necessarily be what works for you. Jenny shares what elements have helped her through her journey and the insights she has learned along the way in hopes that it will be helpful to others who may be going through a similar experience.