Africa-Press – Mauritius. As we approach the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, and as I write this article on the 20th May, which is globally commemorated as International Mental Health Action Day, I would like to take this opportunity and take
action to speak my truth and share my reality to introduce myself. My name is Abubacar Jabbie and I have had my own struggles with mental health. I have no shame about this condition that
has been severely stigmatized and is very misunderstood. I’ve personally approached it with acceptance, grace, medication and psychiatric intervention.
Many who are reading this might themselves be afflicted but have never been diagnosed, or know of someone who is, but have never empathized or tried to understand it.
I want to say to anyone that might be going through this journey to know that it’s okay if you are not okay, and its okay to not be okay. But it’s not okay to
deflect, deny or feel ashamed to try and help yourself. You may not be able to fix it, but you can manage it well. It’s not okay to ostracize others because
they face challenges of the mind that you may not understand. It’s also mostly not okay to unfairly judge others because of your ignorance and because you are intellectually flaccid about this particular topic.
My
truth is this : I have two voices with which I speak; my mind voice and my soul voice. These two voices also – all the time – speak to and through me.
Which voice I listen to will determine which voice I consistently speak with. There are also two kinds of light. The glow that illuminates and the glare that blinds and obscures.
Which light I choose determines my path in life and the way the world sees me. I personally believe that there is no such thing as coincidence, there is only God-incidence.
The truth is that there is no journey. I am right where I am and need to be. My life right now is the sum total of all the choices and decisions I have ever
made in my life. The more I act on my intuition, fearlessly, the more my intuition surely serves me. To be psychic, you have to be out of your mind. I
have learned that no experience is visited against any soul against its own will. In this will, I’ve discovered that the sweetest sound is silence; as it holds
the secret yearning of my true self. This is the story of My Soul. If I believed the noises of the world rather than the silence of my soul, I would have lost
myself. There is only one sacred promise to myself, and it is to live my truth with pride, honor, and humility and with no fear or shame. All other promises
are void of freedom. I have experienced the ecstasy and excitement of a life well lived with privilege. I have also know the pain of loss, desertion and
loneliness. I know for a fact that there are more evil fiends that walk among us in human guise than the wicked evil spirits that roam the dark valleys of
hell. I’ve also learned that its so much better to be a little bit right, than completely wrong. My shine might be your dim, but your glow may not even light
me up. I live in my own world. I’ve learned to watch and be mindful of who I accept into my circle. But then again, there are those that have loved and
supported me unconditionally. They stood up for me in my absence. Those who told me the truth in a gentle, loving but stern and honest manner. Now those…
Those are for keeps! I reciprocate the respect and love them always. They are forever My Brothers and Sisters keepers. My Squad! There was never anywhere to get to.
Nothing to find. Shall I tell you about the times when awareness happened? It came when I was resting in what was, not wanting or hoping or expecting anything, when I
was silent and open and allowing, That’s when the sweet taste of ‘Being’ filled me. I’m just happy, full of appreciation. I’m counting my blessings and living
true to my being. I truly appreciate my journey with the fullness that fills my heart. If I didn’t laugh and celebrate myself, I’d surely die; I’m a survivor.
I’m also blessed to have an amazing family support structure. I constantly need to re-calibrate my co-ordinates with the universe. I need high-speed Wi-Fi to connect quicker with
the heavens. My penthouse crew (Angels) and my underground squad (Ancestors) have always had my back. I honor them in all my African, Spiritual and Religious ceremonies.
My mental condition does not define who I am. I am my own Man but am also a child of God. I am a functional, healthy, and content loving feeling Man. Courage is what it
takes for me to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes for me to sit down and listen. So shushhh… Please listen; Don’t you see I am crying? But they are silent tears.
I am crying on the inside so you cannot see all the pain flowing through me. If you could only listen with your heart you just might hear my silent tears, because tears are the words that Angels
hear. I wish the loud cry of my silence is audible to you. Oftentimes I cry blood. The tears wash my soul and cleanse my spirit. I cry not because I am
weak. My tears are my strength. I weep because I am strong. My advice is for you to know and manage your condition, be it depression, bipolar, anxiety or PTSD.
We all, at some point in our lives have to deal with mental stress, the only difference is our coping mechanisms and support systems, and we are always somewhere on the same
continuum of the hyper/manic or depression/anxiety pendulum. I urge you to get professionally diagnosed, know your triggers, accept your condition and always
take your medication. Add more tools to your survival toolbox. Fighting with your mind and emotions is a tough battle. We have to stop the stigma and normalize this difficult, sometimes uncomfortable discussion.
“Meditation
in God is my capital. Reason and sound logic is the route of my religion. Love is the foundation of my existence. Enthusiasm is the vehicle of my life.
Contemplation of God is my companion. Faith is the source of my power. Sorrow is my friend. Knowledge is my weapon. Truth is my salvation. And in prayer lies
the coolness of my eyes and the peace of my mind” (ANON) Again, let me re-introduce myself: My name is Abubacar Jabbie and I will forever live my truth. Who I Am is a Gift From God. What I Become is My Gift To God. Namaste
#NoStigma
#MentalHealthIsReal #ItsOkToNotBeOK #CheckUpOnFriends #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
#Namaste
BY ABUBACAR JABBIE
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