Entry~
*Recovery is hard. It doesn't matter if you're recovering from drugs, an eating disorder, or self harm in general. The journey back to a healthy state of mind is long, tiring, and lonely. Too often do we keep our demons locked away because we're afraid the ones we love will turn their heads the other way. I know talking about addiction isn't on the top of everyone's list. It's uncomfortable. It's easier not talk about it, to forget the problem even exists. To the people who prefer to keep these problems quiet, "How well has that worked over the last 20yrs"? When friends start overdosing, or starving to death, "How will you feel when you realize you closed the door on them"? Talking is meant to heal. When phrases slip out like, "Just stop talking about it," the stigma that addicts should suffer alone is validated. This is a major problem. It triggers feelings of unworthiness and self hatred, which fester and loop inside the addicts head. "How can you reach someone if you aren't willing to hear them"? Refusing to listen to someone's story, whether it's from them directly, or from a friend expressing concern, is extremely selfish. In fact, being around friends who behave like this can be detrimental to recovery. If you know someone who is struggling, but you can't be of support to them, keep your distance. It's better to stay away, then to occupy a seat vital for their journey. Just offer a silent support. It's better that way.