As I rise from bed, the ocean expands before me.
I wonder, "How am I going to swim today?"
If it was like every other time before, I might've gotten swept away by the waves of my emotions.
But now knowing how to ride those waves,
I no longer drown in my emotions.
I’ve become able to take control and
ride forward with the waves.
It really is a good feeling.
In the morning, I awake drenched in sweat, unable to control my breath.
My whole body rigid, I needed time to be able to get up.
The next day after awakening from a nightmare, without fail, my spirits would sink, and I’d have this sensation as if I didn't even exist in the physical world.
I remember the first time I swam in a pool, the thought of drowning made me afraid to go into the water.
But after learning to swim step by step, the fear gradually disappeared and swimming became enjoyable.
The more you learn and understand how to do something, the less scary it becomes.
Your emotions are the same.
"When?" "Under what circumstances?" "Why?" By finding a way to understand and face exactly why I was feeling the way I was, I became less anxious regarding the waves of emotions that swept through me.
Things you can't see are scary. Because you can't tell right away if they are a problem or not, nor how to handle them. However, the brain can learn to control unseen emotions and anxieties, just like how the physical body can learn how to swim.
It's okay to be afraid. If you face those fears, you’ll eventually be able to control them.
If you, or your friend, reading this article happens to be struggling with your mental health, or if you encounter such a situation in the future, please try to confront the issue as follows. First, accept that something is going on within you. Next, seek help from a professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, and work together with them to find a solution.
Some of you might be hesitant to ask for help. Please remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are the only person who can accept the help and ultimately solve your problems. Rather than being ashamed or embarrassed about our mental struggles, let's be proud of the fact that we’re putting in the work to face ourselves.
A psychologist once said, “I’m simply giving my patients an instrument, which they’ll use to play their melodies.”
A psychologist should be able to give you some tips on how to deal with emotional and mental problems. Over time, you should be able to channel sadness, joy, fear, anger, surprise, disgust, and various emotions into your life creating your tune.
Let's try to understand ways we can best embrace our emotions to gradually free our minds and ultimately live more comfortable lives.
The healing process might be a long road.
Rather than a process like climbing stairs, where one day after taking a step up you suddenly feel better, it's more like slowly healing as you steadily progress up a hill. Let's slow down and keep hydrated as we take our time with the climb.
The love of your life is "yourself."
This is because from birth to death, you’re the person you have the longest relationship with.
If you can get along well with your own body and mind, you'll be able to make this relationship great.
Translated by Savannah Sutton
Edited by Emiru Okada
Graphics by Ren Ono