Love yourself enough to prioritize your mental health.

Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, has been linked to various mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Research suggests that it may result from decreased activity in the brain's reward centers, like the ventral striatum, which affects the release of dopamine, a key "feel-good" hormone.

Suicide prevention is not only about responding to a crisis but also about addressing warning signs early. Often, suicidal ideation serves as a crucial signal that something is seriously wrong and needs immediate attention. It's important to recognize that these warning signs can manifest in various forms and should never be dismissed or overlooked.

Finding meaning in our struggles is also crucial. When we can identify a purpose or lesson in our challenges, it becomes easier to navigate them. For instance, facing a difficult situation may teach us valuable life skills or provide insights into our strengths and weaknesses. By focusing on the potential benefits of our struggles, we can find motivation and inspiration even in tough times.

From there, I began to identify the recurring thoughts that weighed on me each day—thoughts that shaped how I viewed myself and my capabilities. It was as if I had been carrying an invisible backpack filled with doubt, and each time I questioned myself, another stone was added to the load.