I had a conversation years ago with a friend about her difficult childhood and history of mental health issues. She mentioned that she hadn't told her kids about any of it to protect them. This discussion prompted me to think about how I would discuss these topics with my children, if ever. They were so little back then, but I wanted to be prepared to talk to them about mental health. Some things that greatly influenced my decision: ✦ My own experiences I grew up in a dysfunctional environment. Looking back, I can clearly see that my parents had some issues that they either didn't want or didn't know how to address. If they had been willing to seek help, and to be open about any past trauma or mental illnesses, I would have a better perspective in adulthood with which I could use to understand them. Being able to understand to some extent why they did what they did would be immensely helpful on my path to recovery. ✦ Their risk of mental health issues I hope ...

I know people generally mean well, but I've heard so many things that would've been better left unsaid, by strangers and loved ones alike. I've seen lists like this online, and even if my list ends up similar to other ones, then it is worth repeating. Here are ten things that people have said to me, and my thoughts on each. 1. Just be happy/positive! First of all, I am happy! In many ways. I am still depressed. Second...I am positive often, but being positive at all times is not helpful. I used to be fake positive and all that did was mask my true feelings. There is healing to be found in exploring the hurt, anger, and negativity. In order to overcome these things, I need to understand them. 2. You aren't eating right, that's why you have depression. Do I eat perfectly healthy? No. Does that mean I'm eating "wrong"? No. I've tried changing my eating habits to be healthier, but I ended up less satiated, more exhausted, and still depres...

For a while now I've thought about blogging about my struggles with mental health and overcoming my past, which caused my major depression and anxiety. I've micro blogged on Pinterest and Instagram about these topics before, but I finally got around to creating a blog. I am by no means an expert on all things mental health, but discussing my experiences may help others. I know reading other peoples' stories and struggles with mental health has helped me a lot! I got the blog name from a quote I saw on Pinterest: "Change can be sunshine, if you let it in." My journey through healing has not been easy, and I expect it to be a bumpy road even now, after therapy and meds and a lot of self-reflection. But there's so much sunshine despite that. I look forward to posting more! For now, I'm working on the layout. :)