Two Years

The past few weeks have been spent in reflection amidst the busyness of life and work. The days leading up to that two year anniversary were the hardest. Someone likened it to an alcoholic leading up to the days of their next sobriety chip. Except there are no chips for people who attempted suicide; there’s just the memories.

I don’t think there will ever be a time where the memories of those two nights won’t shake me to the core. There are still parts I have no memories of…

How I got into the ambulance…

How I got into the hospital room…

What was said to me when the crisis counsellor talked at me.

  But then there are the moments I do remember.

Being pulled off the ledge.

Someone yelling.

The lights.

The dizzy feeling of the stretcher being moved.

The paramedic shouting that something was going wrong.

And blackness.

 It’s the blackness that scares me the most. I remember it still today. For months after, shutting my eyes met me with that horrible darkness and it would make my heart pound out of my chest. Fears and worries evolve, just like anything else and I think what scares me the most about that blackness is the realization that I was way too close to losing everything in that moment. I lost control of everything and almost lost the one thing that I value the most today.

Life.

I was met with a choice that day… I could give up or I could fight my way out, kicking and screaming. I chose the latter. Believe me when I say, it wasn’t easy. It took everything I had within me, and then some. I couldn’t have done it without my family. I wouldn’t have made it if they didn’t express their Unconditional Love. I will be forever thankful for all that they have done.

Through all the memories, the good and the bad, I have learned so much. I can truly look back at those times and find it in myself to be thankful for all that I went through. Had I not went through everything that I did, I wouldn’t have Defying Shadows. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to help others who are going through similar things. And I wouldn’t have the diagnosis, help and support I needed to live my life to the fullest.

So here’s to another great year. I cannot wait to see what this year has in store.

Nichole is a Social Media Marketing Manager, student, daughter and friend. She has a Marketing Diploma and a Certificate of Christian Theology. She is an avid coffee lover who enjoys a good movie or book. She takes great joy in organizing, scheduling, and volunteering. Her passion for volunteerism extends specifically to those who are hurting, whether it is emotionally, physically, or mentally.

Nichole is certified to provide Mental Health First Aid, which means she can provide immediate support and guidance in a safe environment, comfortably have a conversation about mental health related issues and offer professional and other supports. This does NOT make Nichole a psychologist, or a counselor. It simply gives her the tools to direct people to the help they need.

You can follow Nichole on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest, Linkedin and her Personal Blog.