Kelsey C.
Photography by Ashley Kung
If you're reading this, you are enough.
If you’re reading this, you are enough. Sometimes the “smallest” task can be overwhelming and that is okay. Whether you are struggling to get out of bed, brush your teeth, or prepare for an upcoming exam, you must give yourself grace and realize that you are enough. Mental illness, regardless of whether you have an official diagnosis or not, can come in waves. Some days you may feel unstoppable and ready to conquer any task that comes your way. Other days, the simplest things can feel overwhelming. It is okay to struggle and it is okay to ask for help. Every person is so unique and just being you, makes you enough in this world and worthy of everything good life has to offer.
In the past, when I struggled with my mental health the most, I consumed myself with thoughts of doubt, comparisons, and guilt. I wasn’t doing enough for school. Everyone was so accomplished and looked so happy. Why can’t I function like a “normal” person? This train of thinking ultimately ended up making things more difficult and all-consuming. While it is certainly easier said than done, and takes a lot of patience, you must learn to forgive yourself and know that you are doing your best, even if your best is just drinking water and eating a meal that day.
It can be difficult to not compare yourself to your peers, how much they are accomplishing, and what you “should” be doing, but ultimately it is true that comparison is the thief of joy. By practicing patience, forgiveness, and learning to love yourself, eventually you too will see that you are enough. A theory commonly used with Disability Studies is called “The Spoon Theory” by Christine Miserandino. This theory is essentially a metaphor that helps people with various chronic illnesses and disabilities by stating that people have a limited amount of energy, represented by spoons, that they must ration throughout the day. Each spoon represents a certain amount of energy, and some tasks may take more spoons than others. For example, you may start the day with ten spoons, but brushing your teeth may take one spoon and going to class may take three spoons. This theory also applies to those who struggle with their mental health, or even just those having a bad day. On your good days, you may have ten spoons and brushing your teeth wouldn’t “take a spoon.” On a more challenging day, you may start your day with eight spoons and brushing your teeth would take two spoons. It depends. You must be mindful of how much energy you are exerting and be able to give yourself grace when you are struggling.
You are a strong and capable individual that has so much left to see in the world. It is okay if some days you do not have a lot of spoons. You are enough and you are worthy of love and happiness. Do not be afraid to take time to prioritize your own well-being. Do things that make you happy (even if that means not doing things you’re “supposed to be doing”) and reach out for help. The only way we can change the stigmas and narratives surrounding mental illness is if we are all open about our journey, and realize that everyone has their own obstacles to conquer, even if they seem like the happiest and most successful person in the world. I hope this letter helps you to find some peace and practice grace with yourself. I believe you will get through these obstacles and find that you are enough.
Kelsey C., University of Florida
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at UF on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to UF students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
AUTHOR CONTACT
This author has opted to allow readers who resonate with their story to contact them. If you would like to speak to the author of this letter about their experience, please use the form below.
