Every day in my work and personal life, I am reminded that you just never know what someone is living with, the trials and tribulations one might be going through on a daily basis, the struggles one faces. I am reminded that it costs nothing to be kind.

In my job, I meet people who are stuck in the quagmire of depression, in the throes of mania, struggling with substance use or eating disorders. I meet people who struggle with thoughts of suicide or self-harm. It costs me nothing to be kind to them, to help them take the first step on the journey toward wellness.

Daily I am reminded that for some people, simply getting out of bed, into the shower and to their jobs is a huge accomplishment. It costs nothing to congratulate people for that accomplishment.

Not only does being kind to others cost nothing, doing so can lift our own spirits as well as the spirits of others. We so often are bombarded with negativity, being kind to others can be a bright spot in someone’s day. Simply smiling at someone as we walk down the street or holding the door open for the person behind us can mean the world to someone who is struggling with things we likely never will know and cannot possibly understand. Kindness costs nothing.

The more we are kind to others, the more kindness spreads. What is one thing you can do today to be kind to someone you know? What can you do today to lift the spirits of a stranger? Can you send an encouraging text? Can you call and chat with a friend or family member? Can you hold the door open for the person behind you? Small acts of kindness take little effort and likely could brighten someone’s day.

So often in my work, I meet people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, trauma and eating disorders. People come to our hospital looking for a way to relieve themselves of the pain they are feeling. They come seeking answers to the problems that have plagued them for days, weeks, sometimes years. I wish I had all the answers. Sadly, I do not.

The other night, I received a phone call from a young woman in the throes of depression stemming from relationship and employment issues. She called seeking answers to her situation. I listened to her story with concern and very much wished I could simply tell her what to do about what was going on in her life. But that is not my role.

It is our job as therapists, counselors and crisis workers to help you get the care you need and to help you find the answers to your problems. Certainly, there are times when I can offer advice if you ask it of me. I can tell you what I might do in a similar situation, but our stories, our paths, our concerns are different. I cannot tell you what might best work for you, but I can help you determine what might. I do not have the answers to your problems, but I can help you find them … they are inside you.

Helping you find the answers to your problems helps you gain a sense of empowerment. I assure you, if you work with your counselor, therapist or psychiatrist regularly and share all your concerns and hopes for the future, you can find the answers to what ails you. This works best if you are brutally honest not just with your counselor, but also with yourself. What do you truly want for your future? We can help you determine that.

Deep down inside, you know what your truth is. Sometimes admitting to yourself that your truth is different from the life you currently are living is painfully difficult. Accepting that you need to make some changes to find a way to live your truth is the first step in making your way from mental illness to mental wellness. Let your therapist or counselor help you find what your truth is.

I have said it before and I will say it again, I wish I had a magic wand to wave away your pain. I do not. Your therapist or counselor does not have all the answers to your problems, but you do. They are inside you. If you are willing to really work with your mental health professional to find the answers to your problems, you will be rewarded. Deep down, you know what you need to do. The work will not be easy and likely will take time, but it is so worth it. Are you ready to start the search for your truth, for your answers? Are you ready to work toward living the life you were meant to live? You deserve to live a life free of pain, to live a life that brings you happiness. You deserve to life your best life.

So often in my work, I meet people living with mental illness and substance use disorders, trauma and eating disorders. Many of these illnesses go hand-in-hand. Many people turn to illicit substances to self-medicate their depression, anxiety or PTSD. Sadly, for some the consequences of using illicit substances to make themselves feel better can trigger more profound illness.

Earlier this week, I met a young man whose long-term use of marijuana, LSD and mushrooms triggered a psychotic break. People like to think these drugs are not as dangerous as say, cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine. That is not the case. We know now that heavy, long-term marijuana use in teenagers can trigger psychosis, particularly if there is a history of schizophrenia in the family.  Such was the case with the young man I met this past week. He never will be the same.

We know now that long-term marijuana use in adults can lead to Alzheimer’s-like symptoms and cancer.

People think marijuana is harmless. It is not. Using marijuana runs the risk of dependence. There is a distinct withdrawal syndrome when one stops using marijuana and it can up to five weeks for the drug to leave the user’s system. Withdrawal is characterized by decreased appetite, insomnia, restlessness and irritability.

It pains me to see so many people living with substance use disorders. Substance use does not just spell trouble for the person living with this illness, it affects the whole family. The consequences of substance use can be dire. Not only do the users risk long-term health complications, they risk the possibility of arrest and prison time if their use is caught by law enforcement. People who use substances risk the possibility of losing friends and loved ones as their use becomes problematic.

Do you not deserve a life free of the albatross of substance use? Do you not deserve a healthy, happy life? There is help available for people living with substance use disorders. Many hospitals offer treatment programs and there are scores of treatment programs you can participate in to end your dependence on substances. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and reach out for help today.