The environment we grow up is responsible for mental health. Mental health can either support us in creating positive change or it can leave us struggling – battling and trying to search for understanding and clarity. If those are your circumstances, it's important not to see your struggles as a reflection of you, but of what you endured.
The reality is that we live the life we're given and we don't stop to question it, because it's all we've ever known. But when our circumstances change, we may find ourselves struggling to understand how to make things different. Real change requires the right understanding and sometimes, that understanding is out of reach or shaped by factors beyond our control.
Mental health and life struggles shape growth, but it's important to look beyond blame and recognise the circumstances that shape how people behave. It doesn't get others off the hook, if what has happened to you, has spanned years, but it does give you a clearer understanding of their behaviour. Understanding that mental health influences us all, helps us to shift our focus towards how we respond to others, rather than remaining stuck in passing judgment.
While the past shapes us, true growth comes when we learn how to create meaningful change, change we can move forward with. However, it's not always easy. Without understanding and support, mental health challenges can become overwhelming, making it harder to move forward. Support, and awareness are essential, yet for many, the struggle lies in knowing how to take control of their mental wellbeing.
