Letter of the Day | I am more!

THE EDITOR, Madam:

For many women, the month of October is a dreaded one. We are constantly reminded of the monster called breast cancer and for some, this reminder brings about fear, anxiety, depression and so many other mental health issues. We find ourselves wondering “what if” and for those battling the dreaded disease, “how will I manage”.

While these are salient concerns, I cannot help but think about the many other issues that we face as women that have us asking these questions along with the who, why, what and when. The answers to these questions sometimes make us angry, depressed, anxious, etc., taking a toll on our mental health.

As this month comes to an end, I want to suggest to my sisters that whatever your challenging situation is, you are much more than it!

For those who have lost breasts, you are more than your breast. For those who have had any adverse diagnosis, you are more than that diagnosis. For those who have no money, you are more than your bank account.

For those who are plagued with a low self-esteem, you are more than every negative thought that you think about yourself! For those who have had failed relationships, you are more than your past.

You are more than your mistakes. You are more than the anxiety that you feel. You are more than the depression. You are more than the rejection that you encountered. You are more than your needs. You are more than what some consider to be body imperfections (big belly, flat bottom, etc).

You are more, and so much more!

CELEBRATING OUR UNIQUENESS

Sisters, we are more than our struggles and I dare you today to declare it, to believe it, to stand on it and show to the world that we are more!

How do we do this? By celebrating our uniqueness and that of other women even in the presence of adversity. Focus on your strengths, be bold with you, be present in your life and loudly cheer your sisters on, being grateful every day for life and the many blessings that are ours.

Get into the habit of writing down things that you are thankful for. It does wonders for your mental health … something small or big, just do it.

Talk about stuff that are upsetting with a trusted friend/family member/counsellor.

Do not keep it inside. Enjoy you! You are more!

Challenges do not define us, we are more than any hardship that we face! Obstacles will come but we know that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

I AM MORE!

DR MEGAN SWABY

Clinical Psychologist/Lecturer, Dept of

Behavioural Sciences, The Mico University College