14 Comments

Hi Sabrina - this is very courageous and relatable with me on so many levels. I had to pause after the bit about your mom because I was like, yep, that's my mom too. Being a good little worker, on auto-pilot, not recognizing the signs or ignoring them, that's me for decades. I am working through it and it's a continued process. This type of writing helps me and I appreciate you for sharing 🙏🏽

Expand full comment

Wow Janice, thanks so much for your honesty too. I really appreciate it. Sorry to hear about your mum's reaction - it is not an easy relationship type to navigate. You're not the only one and so glad this helped in some way ❤️

Expand full comment

Thanks Sabrina for your courage in sharing the hard parts of life that many hide. It helps us all be braver in admitting that life is up and down! And that the more honest and open we are about it, the more help and recognition flow in to support us. It's the human story.

Expand full comment

You're so right Jeanette. Appreciate your support. I'm trying to be braver with my writing. Am realising how powerful being vulnerable through writing is and how it helps us connect more effectively 😻

Expand full comment

Yes me too Sabrina. It's a balance of fear and courage but courage is way more liberating!

Expand full comment

Hey Sabrina, that is a great piece of writing. Couple of thoughts:

1. Your vulnerability to share your story gives you social proof. You know what you are talking about when you advocate building a better brain.

2. Your story is the story of many. We all are products of victimization, but it's our choice whether to be a victim or a victor. You are on the path of being victor.

3. I recently interviewed a friend who had a near death experience, which I'm writing about. The takeaway from that interview was that our purpose for being "here" is to grow and mature. We brought nothing in to this world, and we'll take nothing out. Therefore, all our experiences, good and bad, are opportunities to grow and mature. That is the path you are on.

Keep up the great work!

Expand full comment

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and support Phil. It is the story of many, and I've met lots of people from all walks of life who face similar struggles. I like the idea of choosing to be a victor. It's not easy but we get up, dust ourselves off and keep going. What else can we do, right?

The interview with your friend sounds brilliant. There is something about facing your mortality that focuses the mind. It is about the legacy we leave, no matter how long we have on this earth 🙌

Expand full comment

This is such a vulnerable and relatable essay by sharing your personal battle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Discussing your experiences and pointing out warning signs, helps remove the stigma around mental health issues and encourage others to get help when struggling.

This a relevant topic in today's age, thanks for sharing Sabrina.

Expand full comment

Appreciate your comment Tinashe! It is hard to be vulnerable but so important to show the lead up and recovery. Never an even path but removing the stigma and building community to help each other is key. 🚀

Expand full comment

Bold stuff.

Sharing what must have been a tough period of your life to help others is not easy.

Thank you for the warning signs.

Expand full comment

Thanks Harun. It did feel exposing but I'm trying to be braver with what I've experienced and learnt through life. Thanks for reading and commenting 💥

Expand full comment

Thanks Sabrina- your article is so relatable. Many of us have been there. Either personally or are on the same road with a loved one.

Thank you for being vulnerable and clear. There is no place for ambiguity in a mental health crises.

Expand full comment

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting Janet. I really wanted to share this story now to normalise our ups and downs in life. Thanks for highlighting the loved ones too. Hard for them as well as the person in crisis

Expand full comment

It's my pleasure Sabrina ❤️

Expand full comment