Your Stories

Whatever it is that you need, you shouldn't feel ashamed or like you can't use what is available.

Each person's experience with schizophrenia is unique.

Just like all our eras make up our life story, some are great and some we would rather rush past. 

Learning to use boundaries is an ongoing journey, with trial and error, discomfort, and growth. 

You are beautiful as you are and there are people out there who won't judge you or think of you any differently. 

Sharing a piece of myself with all of you in hopes someone reads it and knows they are not alone in facing setbacks.

Once returning home, that little fire of hope started to reignite!

Take the time to stop and really listen to someone. If someone has the bravery to open up, listen to them. 

You deserve to be joyful in whatever way that looks like to you. 

A home within my home. A home that would survive. 

A diagnosis can open you up to receive help and support. 

You're worthy of all the good things that are coming. 

Learning to manage my boundaries and what is realistic for me to do in a day has been a game-changer. 

If you're fighting alongside someone whose mind is against them, your words matter. 

I started to manage things better but most of all, I realised that I can fricking do this. 

So, as the new year draws in, I’ll be acknowledging everything I did to make sure I felt mentally and physically okay this year.

Know that, no matter where you are in your recovery, or healing, journey, it is possible and it is worth it. 

This helps me to know what to expect as well and gives me a sense of control over my own choices. Not everything has to change.

You are all kinds of wonderful and the world needs to see just how great you truly are - even if you can’t see that yet.

When you do the things that bring you joy and surround yourself with those who bring you peace, regardless of the time of year, I’d say that’s time well spent. 

Nothing has to be perfect. Just do your best and that’ll be enough.

You’re struggling. And that’s okay. You’ll get through it.

By allowing myself to open up to a couple of people, they gave me the space to talk about what I usually keep in my head.

It takes persistence, but I hope you can use what works for you.

You don’t need to be in competition with people you don’t know - in fact, you don’t need to be in competition with anyone, whether you know them or not.

Know that it’s okay to let yourself cry and it’s okay to allow yourself time to work through difficult emotions.

You are already good enough! You won’t always get it right, there will be hard times this season and in all the seasons to come. You can get through it!

It’s important to acknowledge the good and bad, to feel the feelings we might not want to, and the ones we wish others and ourselves to always have.

I hope you can enjoy at least one thing this season and if not, I will be proud of you for still being here.

I am now experiencing love, joy, happiness and freedom - something I thought could never ever happen again.

Everyone has innate creativity within them - it’s just about practice and passion - learning to hone your skills and exploring your own style.

You are still worth just as much as anyone else!

When you come to face monstrous threats, you will do so together, and you will triumph jointly against incalculable odds.

And while it’s a constant work in progress, it’s happening!

It takes time but these things are worth fighting for. 

Symptoms of conditions we have are not reasons to consider ourselves any less valuable or inferior. 

Everything you need to give you strength to get to the next table.  All you have to do is reach out.

The convenient truth about video games is that they are there for you if ever you need them. 

Don't try and focus on milestones that are far into the future. Only stick to the ones coming up. 

Try and have a little something to eat now. I know it's hard, but you need it. 

As someone who never believed that cognitive switch could happen, I assure you, it can.

As with mental illness, the ways we all cope are different and unique to each individual.

Here are twenty pieces of mental health advice from the Voices of Hope community!

I’ve found the most effective strategy is talking to someone you trust before taking action on the urges.

Remember, if this is a time that causes anxiety, it's only one day.

I ended up going to school, doing normal things, and engaging with family and friends.

There are many adaptations that can be made to this to fit whatever you may be going through.

There are many resources and people who want to help you find yourself again.