So often in my work, I see people who are in the throes of mental illness, substance abuse, trauma and eating disorders who are more than tired; they are deep down exhausted. I see people who are weary and uncertain as to how to move forward with their lives. They are stuck in the quagmire of illness. They have lost their fire.

Recovering from mental illness, substance use, trauma and eating disorders is difficult and takes daily effort. Sometimes, just getting out of bed is a victory and one that should be celebrated. Sometimes getting out of bed and into the shower is the most one can accomplish in a day and that, too, should be celebrated. Recovery takes effort but it is so worth it.

I recently met a woman who had been through treatment nine times and came to us seeking assistance again for mental illness and substance use disorder. I asked her what was different this time, what was going to make this journey through treatment different. She said this time, she was doing it for her. She was fighting for her life.

Recovery is about fighting for you, fighting for your life … a better life, the one you deserve. Recovery is about more than just wanting to be well, it is about taking the steps necessary to become well and maintain wellness. It is not an event that happens; it does not happen overnight. Recovery is a process that takes time and requires daily effort. Recovery starts with you coming to the understanding that you have to fight for you and that you are worth the fight, that you are worth the effort to become the person you were meant to be and that you are worth the effort to live the life you deserve.

Sadly, people living with mental illness, substance use, eating disorders and trauma think often think they are not worth the effort, that they are not good enough, that they are inherently flawed. They cannot see that they are people worthy of happiness and health. They cannot see that they are people who are wonderfully and beautifully made. They cannot see that they are worth the fight. I am here to tell you, you are worth the fight. You are worth the time and effort it takes to move from illness to wellness. You are worth the time and effort to cast aside the demons that plague you and become the person you were meant to be. Are you ready to step into the ring and fight for yourself?