Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sheree Braswell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sheree , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
First, I want to say God, my therapist and my amazing support system I have been able to overcome these challenges related to mental health issues. Seriously, they are a God-send. They have helped me maneuver through many challenges in life and helped me to face my fears. They have seen me in my high moments and been there for me in my valley moments. They have loved and been there for me though my darkest times. Whether it be prayer, a listening ear, going for a walk to talk, going to the movies and for ice cream. Those moments really help me heal and overcome any adversity I may be facing. They love me through it and don’t make me feel bad that I may be experiencing a mental health day(s) and maybe experiencing an episode. They affirm me to let me know that I’m not alone and validate my thoughts and feelings even if they may seem irrational. They are supportive and comforting. I’m forever grateful.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a Certified Peer Support Specialist at an amazing mental health agency. I’m a self-published author, mental health awareness advocate, and motivational speaker. What I love most about my career is that I get to help people with mental health struggles feel less alone and see that they too can overcome any barrier or limitation they may place on themselves because of their diagnosis/disability.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe the three qualities that are most important to develop is learning how to be resilient, have self-compassion, and practice self-care and boundaries. I know I am resilient but I am still working on developing and growing stronger in self-compassion, practicing self-care and boundaries. It can be a struggle. My therapist is helping me in these areas so that I can overcome. Even as an advocate and Certified Peer Support, you still have areas you have to improve in. You don’t have to feel incompetent because you need improvement just like everyone else.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
The biggest area of growth for me is learning how to affirm myself in knowing it’s okay to take risks, accepting myself for who I am, make a million mistakes, and understand that forgiveness is vital.
I took a chance and opened myself to dating, being involved in a relationship that is now ended and learned a lot about myself. I learned that I have to heal from my past traumas and heal my inner childhood wounds. I learned I have to forgive a lot of different people and be free from rejection. I learned I have to value myself, not lose my identity and truly keep God and take care of myself first. I learned it’s okay to not be perfect and make a million mistakes. I love a message by Joel Osteen I listened to about God turning your biggest mistakes into miracles and being free from guilt, shame and condemnation. I learned what I really need for my life in a partner and my purpose. Being in the mental health field, knowing my calling and my dealings with it, I need to be aligned with someone who sees me more than my diagnosis, will be there if i was to have a nervous breakdown, doesn’t have a stigma with mental hospitals and mental illness, that is loving and very supportive. I’ve met so many people who were traumatized by someone with mental illness or unhappy with them that it made me feel there was no hope. But there is hope even when the negative voices tells me there is not. I am more than my diagnosis, breakdowns, episodes and hospitalizations. I have worth and value. And yes, I’ve heard stories of people being happy with their partner who has a mental illness but I have second hand trauma from those who were not where I am still in healing in. And that’s where the true healing will begin because I’m learning I have to guard my heart and put my hope in God and know that with Him all things are possible and He never fails. That my God, Jesus Christ, still has a plan for me and that there is still HOPE for me! Jeremiah 29:11.
I’m learning the biggest power in the word BELIEVE! Believing in what God says about me, His promises for me and my purpose in Him. Believing in what is to come and overcoming my doubts and fears. There has been challenges that come with learning and applying that. But I am growing in that area. Thank God for His Grace and I’m learning to give myself Grace even when I struggle.
Working on myself, my relationship with God, in my purpose with mental health, working on forgiveness and taking a risk to opening myself to love are the biggest areas of growth for me. I’m ready to open myself to continue to work on those areas and open myself to a love that will last for a life time.
Matthew 19:26
New Living Translation
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shereebraswell.com
- Instagram: @sheree.p.braswell
