I Almost Let 'I'm Not Good Enough' Destroy Me — But I Stopped Believing The Lie
An invisible monster tried to take me down. Fortunately, I stopped listening to its lies.
the author's TEDx speech It’s Mental Health Awareness Month so I’m going to be vulnerable here.
Five years ago almost to the day, I made an attempt on my life that should’ve killed me. As I sit here today, I realize it’s a miracle that I’m alive.
The insidious, invisible monster that lies to us every day
I’m not going to share details about that day because it’s not important. But for as long as I can remember, I’ve been fighting against this invisible monster named INGE that torments me.
I’m. Not. Good. Enough.
- I’m not smart enough.
- I’m not successful enough.
- I’m not handsome enough.
- I’m not talented enough.
- I’m not lovable enough.
You get the idea.
The simple phrase that wins the daily battle for mental health
On that day in May 2018, INGE was so loud that I was willing to do anything to quiet the sound permanently. Thankfully I was unsuccessful, but I still deal with those voices today.
It’s a constant battle fighting against clinical depression (my version of mental illness), but I know I’m going to be OK.
I don’t know if you need to hear this, but you will be OK too.
If life becomes too overwhelming like it was for me five years ago, please seek professional help. Doing so doesn’t make you soft or weak.
In fact, getting help is the strongest thing I’ve ever done.
Here’s one thing my therapist said that helped me.
Think about the absolute worst day of your life. You’re still here, right? If you can get through that, you can get through anything.
This random dude on your LinkedIn feed (me) wants to remind you that you are good enough — and the world needs you.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To find help for yourself or someone else, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988.
Doyin Richards is an Anti-Racism facilitator for corporations and schools, TEDx and keynote speaker, and best-selling author. For more, visit his website.