Living with a mental illness can be incredibly difficult and overwhelming. The stress that it causes can make it hard to get through each day. However, there is a message that my angels have given me to share with others who suffer from mental illness – wearing or using turquoise can help soothe and get you through the day.
Sadly, depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental illnesses are often ignored by sufferers and their loved ones. There is still a stigma surrounding mental illness, and many people don’t understand it. Unless you have personally experienced these symptoms, it is impossible to truly comprehend what those with mental illness go through on a daily basis. It is important to recognize that mental illness is a lifelong diagnosis. Although medication and self-care can help manage symptoms, the illness may never completely disappear. It is always there, waiting for the right moment to resurface.
Depression, in particular, can contribute to extreme stress. People are often afraid to admit that they are depressed because they fear judgement from others. However, in today’s world, with all the turmoil and uncertainty, more and more people are experiencing depression. Unemployment rates are high, leading to financial difficulties and even homelessness. This can make individuals feel incredibly hopeless, as though their situation will never improve.
I speak from personal experience when I say that living with depression and anxiety is tough. It often feels as though you are stuck, without any direction in life. There were times when I struggled to do even the simplest tasks, instead spending my days watching TV. I even ended up in the hospital twice due to suicidal thoughts, and in 2014, I made an attempt on my own life. It felt as though I was just going through the motions, disconnected from reality. Thankfully, my angels played a crucial role in my life, guiding me towards the help I needed. I am not ashamed of having a mental illness. In fact, my spirituality has been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges I have faced in the past year.
There are several symptoms of mental illness that often go overlooked and should be recognized as signs of distress. These include a constant feeling of sadness, physical pain without a clear cause, chronic illness, extreme exhaustion, and anxiety accompanied by shaking, headaches, increased heart rate, and stomach issues. It is important to take care of yourself, prioritizing your own needs. Just like a muscle, your mental health gets stronger the more you work at it. Implementing a natural diet, engaging in regular exercise, and finding activities that interest you and bring you joy are important steps towards healing.
My angels have given me a simple message to share – “Brighten Your Day With Turquoise.” Turquoise has long been associated with a calming nature. The color symbolizes open communication and clarity of thought, fostering a sense of happiness and enjoyment. It also contributes to emotional balance and stability, providing relief during times of stress and fatigue. Just by focusing on the color, whether it’s through clothing, home decor, or accessories, you can instantly feel a sense of calm and renewed energy.
So, how can we incorporate turquoise into our lives for calming purposes? You can wear turquoise jewelry or carry turquoise gemstones in your pocket. Write positive affirmations on turquoise-colored paper and place them around your home or workplace. Use turquoise flower pots, towels, shower curtains, sheets, blankets, and bedspreads to brighten up your surroundings. Create a turquoise color vision board with images of things that make you happy, and place it somewhere you will see it often.
It is essential that we support individuals with depression and anxiety. We must acknowledge their suffering and recognize that it is okay to feel depressed. By doing so, we can take the first step on a journey toward healing and a more fulfilling life. My vision is to create drop-in facilities where people can relax and learn coping skills. I learned a great deal from outpatient programs after my hospitalizations, and I believe that establishing non-profit organizations to offer similar services across the United States could make a significant difference in countless lives.
In conclusion, it is crucial to have faith and believe that you can overcome any challenges you face. Mental illness may be a lifelong diagnosis, but with the right support and self-care, it is possible to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. So let’s embrace the message of turquoise and brighten our days together.
Love and blessings,
Catherine
Written by Catherine M Laub
