To feel small and powerless—attributes many of us can relate to. In silence, we carry burdens in hopes to obscure our suffering from the public; in an effort to display stoicism. It's a self-inflicting wound. Humans, no matter how introverted or extroverted, are social creatures. Connection is vital, and we cut it off in an attempt to protect ourselves and others. I wish to share with you a man who now resides only in memory—my father. His name was Robert. My dad was devoted to mental health awareness from an early age. He acquired a career as a mental health counselor, eventually specializing with patients who were Baker Acted (involuntary admittance to a mental health facility under Florida Law). He did this for 20+ years. In 2020, we experienced the global pandemic, and the mental health crisis rose to new heights. From that point on, something shifted within him and the light of hope began to diminish. He never spoke to us about his concerns, his feelings of inadequacy, or the impending doom he felt drawing closer to him. This was all written in a journal, which he left behind when he claimed his own life in 2022. My father was not only my idol, but my first best friend. I measured the world through the way he navigated it. The empathy and desire to see good in people was something I inherited through him. I can't even express in words how proud I am to be able to call him my dad. If I were to be reincarnated back into this world, I'd pray for him to be my father again—even if the outcome was the same. Following his death, I felt rage. Not towards him, but towards the world that made him feel so helpless. Despite what he did, I only sympathize with him and—on my worst days—envy him. I've been living my worst nightmare for the past three years. Many times I thought of following his footsteps, as the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but I made an oath to myself the night we found out my dad's fate: I will never allow myself to pass on this torment to another. I can't recall how many times this safeguard has stopped me in my tracks. How does one continue to live on following the tragic loss of a loved one? You honor their memory. You honor their values. I will carry my father with me to the end of my days. His mission to help people has become my personal mission, but I'm going about it with a different approach: I will not make a career out of it. Those in dire need shouldn't have to worry about the capitalistic/political nature of our healthcare system. My dad struggled with that immensely. He could only reach so far, but he was at the mercy of needing to provide for his family. I will not write/publish a book and try to sell it as a guide/solution to any person's problems. I'd be no better than the healthcare system. What can I do? Live and lead by example. Choose kindness. Choose humanity over wealth, fame, recognition. Make every personal connection matter. Even with this boundless rage, I refuse to give up. I love you, dad. Even though you're gone, you'll continue to help others through me.

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11h

INFP

Taurus

looking for friends.

for the first time I'll say it, i need to make friends to talk about good things and chill, not to share and talk about the broken things in my life..., one who won't judge me or my decisions... would love to be your virtual friend ❤️

INFJ

Leo

“ It’s a hell of a responsibility to be yourself. It’s much easier to be somebody else or nobody at all “ Sylvia Plath (edited)

INTP

Capricorn

I never planned on living this long...

...I'm still here for some reason though-

10h

INTP

Aries

Do good things

1mo

ISTJ

Aquarius

Lend Me Your Ear. If You’d Like

ESFJ

Libra

Introspection or Action?

Which is more important? (The answer is both.) I recently saw a debate about how introspection is more important than action alone. I.E. self care, the gym etc. One should not exist without the other. I feel you should be as equally reflective on your mindset and negative thought patterns as taking... read more

52m

INFP

Scorpio

💯💯

1mo

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Walmart Dread

Does any one else get panic attacks in Walmart? Ugh!

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💯😊😊

1mo

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Just my struggles

Just voicing my struggle which I don’t do that often. I’ve made it through a lot of hard stuff in my life and when it feels like I’ve got almost all aspects in my life in check one always seems to struggle. This one area is relationships more dating/intimate. I’m a very logical person and I’ve... read more

INTJ

Aries

Nothing like the light of a full moon by the ocean. Any strange habits like walking your dogs at 3am?

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Scorpio

🫶

This for you 🫵 yes you reading this 😊💯

INFJ

Leo

Question

She asked : "Are you depressive?"

12d

INTP

Aquarius

Should I stay? or should I go?

Feeling like I'm leaning into I should go, my time here on earth hasn't been pleasant nothing but disappointment after disappointment nothing ever look up for me always going South and it keeps going deeper to the point that their is no point in going anymore.

INFP

Pisces

🙃

Whole world seems mad at me today and it's barely after 12pm 🥺🫤

INFP

Scorpio

That Funny Feeling...

You know that feeling where nothing's really wrong but nothing feels right? What are you supposed to do with that feeling? Ride it out? Cry? I don't wanna talk about it because what even is there to say? And god forbid I let myself actually be vulnerable to another person. Perhaps these are just... read more

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Taurus

.

ISTP

Sagittarius

A little smile ❤️❤️

INFP

Scorpio

I'm tired of running on 'autopilot mode' every day!

i look like i'm handling my life, but i'm just going through the motions and not actually feeling anything anymore. i wish i could turn off the autopilot and reconnect with what actually makes me feel human.

ISTP

Sagittarius

A little giggle if you need it 🙂❤️ (edited)

11d

ISTP

Sagittarius

I need to try this 🙃🙂

ISTP

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Distraction 🙂❤️

INTP

Libra

A friendly reminder ✨

ISFJ

Sagittarius

Do people really care out here? I'm going through a lot right now.. I really hope everything gets better for me and for anyone who going through tough times, stay strong 🙏

28d

INTP

Libra

🫤🫠🫥

INFP

Scorpio

😊

Anytime time of year can be hard can be a real struggle when you suffer mental health. For me this time of year is worse and I'm sure I'm not the only one. So I just wanted to say that I will be on boo over the Christmas period so if anyone needs someone to talk to someone to listen. Please feel... read more

ISTP

Sagittarius

It's one of those days today 🙄😀

29d

ESFJ

Sagittarius

The world is softer because you' re in it... Know that you're capable for always... And you got this! 🥹🫂🌻☘️💖✨️🤝🌎🥰🌸🌈🫶

Some of us didn't grow up safe... We grew up hyper-aware... Reading moods like survival manuals... Srinking to keep the peace... And now we're adults trying to remember... That it's okay to exhale.... It's okay to take up space... It's okay to be safe for real this time... Nothing is being... read more

ESFJ

Libra

How are you today?

🖤

INTP

Libra

Burnout doesn't happen "out of nowhere."

Burnout is not a failure, is your mind and body asking you gently or loudly to come back home to yourself. It happens slowly, quietly, while you're busy trying to be strong for everyone else. It's the moment you wake up already tired. It's when even small tasks feel heavy. It's when your mind is... read more

INFP

Pisces

Unfortunately

ENFJ

Leo

Life update (sorry this is long)

Hey everyone. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving day with their family's. As the holidays approach so does seasonal depression. There have been some life changes in my life that have been, not so great. I will be honest, some days its hard to even smile or do anything besides work. And... read more

28d

ENTJ

Aquarius

Monday’s got me considering it lol

10d

ISTP

Sagittarius

A little distraction, if you need it 🙂

INFP

Pisces

✨

ISTP

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🙂

INFP

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🫤

ISTP

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I want this cat🥹❤️

19d

INFP

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🫂😕

Today is a challenging one so far. Trying to keep positive putting on a fake smile in front of people. All I want to do is shut the door lock the world out but also would love someone to just hold me. Can't remember the last time I felt that no words just a long tight hug. Sad I know but it is what... read more

13d

INFP

Scorpio

🫶

INTP

Scorpio

And for once, please live your life for yourself. Even if you think it's selfish.

--- Because I'll tell you it's not. It's not selfish at all.

20d

ISFJ

Sagittarius

I deleted and blocked those who have said negative and mean things on my posts. You don't know what someone is going through.Be kind and respectful. -Karina❤️

A simple life can change the course of many

Mentalhealth Community

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Lend Me Your Ear. If You’d Like

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And for once, please live your life for yourself. Even if you think it's selfish.

I deleted and blocked those who have said negative and mean things on my posts. You don't know what someone is going through.Be kind and respectful. -Karina❤️