#Repost @daniellkoepke on Instagram
I can't count the number of times someone has vented to me and followed it up with, "But I shouldn't even be upset because my struggles are nothing compared to yours".
I've also been messaged MANY times by people saying that, even though they're really struggling, they don't feel like they deserve help or treatment because "There are other people who have it worse".
Even this weekend. I had people share how terrified and broken they felt because of the fires and the shooting, only to cut themselves short and say, "But I didn't even lose anyone and my house is fine, so I shouldn't be upset." And it breaks my heart because it’s not s competition 😓
💌 So here are some loving reminders:
✖️ You don't have to be at rock bottom in order to be deserving of support.
✖️ And you don't have to be living in the worst possible circumstances in order to justify feeling sad and affected.
➡️ Whether a person is drowning in 20 feet of water or 5, they're still drowning.
➡️ It doesn't matter if your struggle looks different from someone's else's because you AREN’T the same and you CAN’T compare pain.
➡️ It's subjective and personal and there are so many factors that affect a person's ability to cope.
✖️ If something hurts you, then it hurts you. And that pain is valid.
✖️ You're here, living, and breathing and trying. And even when it doesn't feel like it, you matter.
✖️ Just by being here and existing
✖️ And if you're struggling, you deserve a space to talk about it.
➡️ Vocalizing your pain even if you have a lot of good in your life ISN’T selfish.
➡️ It DOESN’T mean you aren't grateful for the good things you have or that you're taking away space from other people who also need it.
➡️ It's self-care, and it's survival.
💌 This world is heavy, and it's human to feel it all and hurt.
💌 It's human to have days and weeks when everything feels too much.
💌 And it's never anything but brave to reach out and talk about it if that's what you need.