I've never really been one for New Years resolutions. Living with mental illness, I've learned the importance of living in the moment; not dwelling on the past and taking each moment as it comes. The year 2017, however, has been a year of tremendous personal growth, change, and perseverance. One very helpful tool that I have used consistently throughout the year is reflecting on positive moments in the past, and searching for small excitements, things that I am looking forward to doing or being a part of, in the near future. So, with that being said, here are my top five memories from 2017: #5: I Survived My First Semester of University! Unlike the majority of my class, I took a gap year to focus on my mental health. When I finally started my first semester of university this fall, I felt prepared to take on any of the difficulties thrown at me. I would be lying if I said that this semester went without its challenges. I discovered that, due to my medication, I had a lot of difficulty reading and concentrating, which is not the best thing to be dealing with when you are taking a Bachelor of Arts degree. As a result, I had to drop a course. Group work still feels impossible. My OCD and Selective Mutism reappeared multiple times throughout the semester, just to remind me that they were still there. Any one of these things could have caused me to give up, but they didn't. The work that I did during my gap year helped me adapt to these challenges, and taught me that whatever the problem may be, there is always a solution. #4: I Became a Jack Talks Speaker!Jack.org is the only national network of young leaders transforming the way we think about mental health. This summer, I was accepted into their Jack Talks program, which brings youth speakers to schools to transform how students think about mental health. After having completed my training, I now go into schools and post-secondary institutions, teaching students about mental health and mental illness, as well as how we can look out for ourselves and the people around us. Make sure to check out this amazing, innovative, and lifesaving program, and book a speaker today! #3: I Celebrated One Year Hospital Free (yippee)!This year, I celebrated the one year anniversary since was hospitalized due to mental illness. Shortly after my last discharge over a year ago, I saw a post on Instagram of a girl about my age celebrating her one year hospital free. Though it was still a long ways away, I couldn't wait to reach that milestone as well. Despite some bumps in the road, my dream became a reality. Thank you Very Haley Blog for inspiring me to reach this goal! Here's to many many more! #2: I Took A Trip to WisconsinIn February, I began mentoring a young girl named Lydia after seeing a post by her mom in a selective mutism parent support group on Facebook. Lydia and I send videos to each other, play Animal Jam, an online multiplayer game where we can chat to each other, and video chat. It's been such a rewarding experience to witness and interact with a side of Lydia that most people do not have the opportunity to see. In October, I had the incredible opportunity to fly to Lydia’s home in Wisconsin and speak at “Lydia’s Walk to Find her Voice”, a fundraiser organized by Lydia’s sister, Lexi, in order to send Lydia to the Child Mind Institute in New York City for treatment. Not only was the fundraiser a success, but I got to spend time with Lydia and her amazing family for the first time. #1: I Was Named a Champion of Mental HealthIn March of last year, my mom received a call from the Canadian Alliance on Mental Health and Mental Illness stating that I had been selected as the recipient of the 2017 Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth. Every year the Canadian Alliance on Mental Health and Mental Illness (CAMIMH) accepts public nominations from across the country to recognize individuals who have helped advance the mental health agenda in Canada. In May 2017, I flew to the awards gala in Ottawa, and stood on a stage in front of hundreds of parliamentarians, professionals and leaders in the Canadian mental health field. I told them my story. I told them about the lack of awareness, and the impact that this has on the 1 in 142 people struggling with selective mutism. My voice, once silenced, spoke for those suffering in silence. Since my diagnosis, I had felt far from a champion. The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health went out of their way to make this one of the most incredible moments of my life, and I will be forever grateful for that. To be continued...
3 Comments
Kylie
1/5/2018 02:11:59 pm
Thank you for sharing your story and being a dynamic advocate.
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amused28
2/6/2018 11:46:51 pm
thank you for your bravery and wonderful blog, Lauren! =)
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10/18/2018 02:43:58 am
Congratulations! Wow.. I didn't know that CAMIMH accepts public nominations from across the country to recognize individuals who have helped advance the mental health agenda in Canada. Thanks for sharing it. And congratulations again to win the Champion of Canadian Alliance Mental Health and Mental Illness Awards! That was your best day. Wish you all the best for future...
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CategoriesAll About MeMy name is Lauren and I am 20 years old. I have an anxiety disorder called selective mutism that limits my ability to speak outside of my home. I believe that this disorder has touched me for a reason, and my life mission is to bring much needed awareness to this heartbreaking disorder. Welcome to my journey. Archives
January 2018
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