We Rise by Lifting Others

by Haley DeGreve

Whether you struggle with depression, addiction, anxiety, self-harm, bipolar, an eating disorder, etc. or you just have brain pain -- please know you can get better. 

I've seen it happen though my involvement with The Gray Matters. I've seen people cry tears of joy because they graduated from years of counseling. I've seen people celebrate recovery and share their stories with thousands. I've seen people fight each day to stay healthy so they can thrive, even in the midst of suicidal thoughts.

In a world filled with individualism, I hope we can continue to see that we need each other. I hope we can continue to shout this from the mountaintops. The only way we will ever be strong together is to BE together. Let's continue to create space for those who are hurting and help them through it. All it takes is empathy, compassion, and love. We often forget this at times.

"Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. All things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is in you."

This past year was one of the hardest years of my life. Yet simultaneously, The Gray Matters lifted me up -- even in my darkest moments. I still feel the strength from the cries and sound echoes of those we've lost. I still feel the pain of the people still hurting.

Yet, I still feel hope from the courage and bravery revealed through The Gray Matters.

Thank you for sharing your light with me and thank you for supporting mental health. Let's continue to change the world, one starfish at a time.