Struggling with mental illness is not easy, learning to live within its limitations is difficult, trying to overcome it is even more difficult. There is no easy route when it comes to this. Embrace that. You are not weak because you have a mental illness. You are strong. You are strong for facing it, for dealing with it, and for living with it. That's what is in our name. Fighting mental illness begins with facing it, accepting that it is there, and then realizing that you are stronger than it is. Facing it is not easy. There are many people who can't, or won't, do it. If you are here, you are a person who can. At some point you've acknowledged what you are dealing with. Believe it or not, that is a huge step!
FACEit stands for fearless, active, courageous, and enduring. These are not expectations, they are goals. They are ways to become stronger and to fight back. They are also reminders that if you are trying, and you are fighting, you already are these things. Never let anyone tell you different.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Fearless: This doesn't mean you have no fear, everyone does and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Fearlesness as an absence of fear is a lie. Anyways, there is no accomplishment in pushing yourself to do something that doesn't frighten you at all. Being scared is ok, letting it rule you is not. Act as if you are fearless. Push your limits. Push those comfort zones and walls, even if it's just a tiny bit. No one needs to be able to tell but you. When anxiety, panic, depression, or anything else start to push at you, push back. Even if it just keeps you where you are, that is moving forward. You have successfully stopped your illness from creating further limits for you. Every step counts and every victory is a big deal.
Active: Staying physically active has been proven to decrease the effects of anxiety and depression. It's also a great and healthy outlet for anger. It can be a distraction or a way to get in better shape. Whatever drives you to do it, incorporate a little extra physical activity into your day.
Courageous: Living with a mental illness requires a heavy dose of courage. Most of us are required to face our fears and serious struggles on a daily basis.
Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.
- Mary Anne Radmacher
You are amazing for getting this far, and you are amazing for fighting every single day. Don't forget that.
Enduring: Dealing with a mental illness can be exhausting. There are ups and downs. There are times when it feels like all of your hard work has been for nothing. There are time when it feels hopeless. These are the times when you need to remember that it is a struggle, but you will endure. You are stronger than your illness.
ABOUT US
FACEit started off as a kernel of an idea. It began with the realization that one of the worst parts of having to deal with any mental health issue was feeling like you were in the struggle alone. Then it occurred to me; why do we need to feel alone? There are so many of us going through our own unique, yet similar, struggles. We have the means to form a global community of support, so why not go and do it?
There are people who understand what you're going through. Not people who have studied it or read about it in books, but people that live with it every day. People who can empathize and understand. People whose experiences you can learn and benefit from. We may not be able to wipe out mental illness entirely, but we can face it together and we can fight it on our terms.
FACEit is not just a resource for individuals personally dealing with mental health issues, it is for friends and family members as well. Often people want to help, but simply have no idea what to do. When someone you care about is dealing with mental health issues it can seem overwhelming and confusing. You are not alone either, and you can be there for your friends and family.
Here you can find a support network as well. You can also use the community as a resource to better understand what your loved one really needs from you. Don't for a moment think that your love, help, and support don't matter. They are what get us through, even when we don't act like it. You are what keeps us going. We thank you and we are here for you as well.