No Matter How You Feel Today, You Are Not Alone

There is always someone out there for you. Sometimes you have to reach out instead of waiting to be reached.

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Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay
But you are not alone

You Are Not Alone ~Michael Jackson

Not long ago, I experienced workplace bullying, stalking and cyber harassment. The totality of which left me experiencing symptoms of depression. However, it was not the abuse that damaged my spirit: it was the loneliness.

At my lowest point I felt alone and the loneliness was palpable. I believed no one near understood what I was going through, or cared enough to help. During this time, the idea of reaching out to contact friends or family was overwhelming. There were days when it took all my strength to simply get out of bed.

Ironically, what I wanted more than anything was someone, anyone, to tell me that they were there for me, that I was not alone.

I was ultimately able to reach out and get the support I needed. I realized I have the support of my family, my mentor and friends I’ve known for 20 years. Turned out I felt alone, but I never was.

Ironically, what I wanted more than anything was someone, anyone, to tell me that they were there for me, that I was not alone.

This is my message to the millions of people going through challenging times right now. No matter how isolated you feel — you are not alone.

You may feel overwhelmed by the pressures of your job, but you are not alone.

You may feel down throughout the day nearly seven days a week, but you are not alone.

You may feel that no one could possibly understand your suffering. But there are people that can relate to your experience, and you are not alone.

You may feel alienated, heartbroken or disconnected from those closest to you. As a result, you may believe that you are by yourself. But it’s only a feeling, truth is, you are not alone.

If you feel like crying, cry. If you want to scream, scream. Do whatever you can to let it out! Just know that there are others who have been there before. People who want to help you, people that care about you. Believe that you are not alone.

Right now there are people going through the same thing you are going through.

Right now there are people you can talk to for support and validation.

You will get through this. I know it is hard to believe, but this too shall pass.

It may not be easy for you right now, and there may be times when you feel like giving up. One of the hardest things to do when you feel drained is ask for help. Men especially have a hard time reaching out when we feel despair.

But you do not need to carry this burden alone. There are people that can help you weather this storm and lay your burden down.

You are not alone

If you know someone who is suffering right now reach out to them whatever way you can. If you do not know what to say, simply tell them they are loved and they are not alone.

If you are going through depression or feel down or lonely, reach out to those closest to you. If that does not work, do not hesitate to reach out to a counselor, psychologist or mental health worker. You are not alone.

Resources:

Counseling Hotline United States of America

https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

“By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.”

Counselling Hotline Australia

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

13 11 14 is a confidential telephone crisis support service available 24/7 from a landline, payphone or mobile.

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