Denial

The first step of my journey back to wellness began when I chose acceptance over denial.  Denial can act like a defense mechanism for the human mind by helping us to cope with painful emotions, but as I learned through my own personal experience battling Bipolar I Disorder, only action can produce change.  In my darkest hour, I chose to abandon denial and embrace reality.  Although denial can shield us temporarily from the pain of overwhelming emotions, in a state of prolonged persistence, denial can hinder our ability to heal and move forwards toward health and wellness.  It is not a long-term solution.  Fear not.  You do have the courage to move past denial.

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As the remnant light of day
slowly faded away,
And the dark shadows of night
crept in and resolved to stay,

I yearned for the protective shelter
that was always ever so kind
and the fortified defenses
of my unconscious mind.