Natasha Medlar presents the fifth of our TRUTH Series; the focus of the fifth segment being discussing Mental Health. In this segment we will hear from numerous diverse, empowering people who will each share their own personal stories on their journey in battling Mental Health. I pray this segment inspires and empowers many people whom come across it and that it also helps give strength to those facing the same or a similar obstacle at present.
“My intentions for all various segments of the TRUTH series is to educate others who may not be aware of such issues, whether it’s because it has never been a challenge they themselves have faced, to educate those whom are aware but choose to ignore the issue/s and lastly to help encourage others in being brave in speaking out. As we know, knowledge is key.” – Natasha
I would like to introduce you to our 5th guest for this segment; Marcos. Marcos Ramirez is a New York based Photographer and Writer who found a way to cope with his anxieties through self-expression. Born in the Dominican Republic, he was influenced by Artists at a very young age and found a way to express himself through his photography and writing. Now, after his own battles with Mental Health, he is using his art to help and support others who might be going through the same things he once went through. Below is Marcos’ story.
On this journey we call life I’ve learned that no matter what obstacles we face, there is always a solution, that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
My name is Marcos Ramirez, and today I want to tell you that you matter, you’re important, you’re loved and you’re worthy. We might not know each other, but I wanted to say that because at one point in my life nobody said those words to me, I didn’t even know how important those few words were to me, and I really needed to hear them.
Over the past few years I’ve faced many obstacles regarding my mental health, things that at some point I thought were going to take me out. From panic attacks, anxiety, depression and me even wanting to take my own life. Life gets really dark when you start being afraid of your own self, of your own thoughts. I was used to being in control, and losing control of my thoughts and the way my body responded to certain things made me feel lost and angry. Angry at myself for losing control, angry at all the things and people that triggered those feelings, angry at life.
Seeking support from the people around me and from professionals was one of the tools that helped get my life back in balance. I’m an advocate for therapy at any moment of our life, whether we are going through something or not, therapy help us release, have open conversations and figure out situations in our life that by ourselves would become really complex.
Putting myself in places where I felt peace and joy also helped me a lot. Creating art, listening to my favorite music, writing poetry, all those things brought me a lot of joy and I make sure to do at least one of them every single day. When we do things that bring us joy, life just gets brighter, they are that silver lining we look for in moments of darkness.
If you like to write, I would recommend you get a journal, write down your thoughts, your ideas, and do your best to look at them in a positive light. Remember whatever situation you’re going through right now, most likely has a solution, even if that is just letting go of it and understanding it’s completely out of your control.
The truth is that there aren’t many things in this life that are completely under our control, life takes its course an we follow the path, so when you feel anxiety because you’re thinking too much about the future, just trust that life has something great for you, and that this is happening for a reason that you will later understand.
Trust yourself, and keep moving forward. Mental health is a journey, and finding balance happens one step at the time. You got this, I promise you, life will be okay, you will be okay.
I’m thinking of you, I’m praying for you, and I love you.
Peace.