Luck and Mental Illness

Today, of course, is St. Patrick’s Day. For those who like to celebrate, it has traditionally been associated with the drinking of Irish whiskey and green beer. And while more sober celebrations are starting to become more common, (thankfully) that actually isn’t what I wanted to talk about. Instead, I wanted to talk about luck and mental illness.

At first glance, it might seem like it is a fairly raw and unlucky deal for those of us who live with mental health challenges. I certainly believed that early on, when my depression was at its darkest and I was far from being in a place where I was ready to seek help.

However, as my recovery has progressed, I have started to have a different viewpoint when it comes to luck and mental illness. This isn’t about turning a half-empty glass into a half-full one. There is a difference in my opinion between maintaining a positive attitude and staying realistic. There are times that having a mental health challenge sucks and so do the complications that come with our mental illnesses.

Instead, what I’ve come to see is that there is a silver lining. Yes, my bad depression days are dark and scary. They can paralyze me. Yet they also create brilliant contrasts that allow me to fully appreciate the times when I can step out into the sun. It has allowed me to develop a deep sense of empathy, allowing me to better connect with those around me.

In the end, living with a mental illness isn’t about being lucky or unlucky. Like so many things, joy can be found in the darkest of shadows. You just have to know where to look.