3 Reasons Why Finding Your Passion and Mental Health Go Hand in Hand

In 2014, I was on my way to attend Essex College in Baltimore, Maryland as a student and lacrosse player. At this time my mental illness was guiding me through some of my darkest days. Every day I would struggle with anxiety and depression while desperately trying to find hope for tomorrow. May of 2015 came along, at this point I couldn't be away from home any longer. After losing the Junior College National Lacrosse Championship, I wasn't going home for just the summer - I was going home for good. In just one year, my life long dreams of going to school and playing college lacrosse were over.

I was back home. I was going nowhere fast. I was still trying to figure out why nothing had changed and that this battle was still being fought. After more then a year trying to find what was best for myself and working different jobs, I applied to Georgian College for Advertising & Marketing Communications. What I didn't know, is that it would be the best decision I had ever made. I always knew I liked marketing and advertising, but I didn't know that it would bring light to my mental health.

Fast forward to February of 2018. I am 2 months away from finishing my program at Georgian College, I now tell my story and advocate for mental health. I took a chance and fortunately found my passion for Marketing and Advertising. I went from wishing I didn't wake up the next morning to being excited for Monday morning. Through my experiences, here are the 3 Reasons Why Finding Your Passion & Mental Health Go Hand in Hand:

1. You Don't Know Until You Know.

When dealing with any type of mental illness it's extremely hard to take a chance on things. You ask yourself questions like "What if it doesn't work?", "I'm not good at it, so what's the point?", "Why would anything good happen to me?". These questions are normal. It's easier said than done, but you need to push yourself to get past those questions and just do it. I didn't know I would find my passion, I just knew I had to go back to school. Take that chance, because You Don't Know Until You Know.

2. Your Passion is Your Only Thought.

The worst part about mental health (specifically anxiety) is that you're constantly worrying, thinking, and assuming. When you develop your passion, you end up having no time in your mind to think about anxiety and depression. There are times when I forget I even have a mental illness because my mind is so busy thinking about my passion. This reason is most important because in order to stay mentally healthy you need to keep your body and mind occupied with positive things. If you struggle with a mental illness; find your passion and you'll soon realize that Your Passion is Your Only Thought.

3. You'll Never Look Back.

Once you have found your passion, it's pretty easy from there because it all comes naturally. At times it's hard to believe that better days will come. When you have purpose and work hard everyday on your passion, those better days you wished for will come. You will always be fighting with your mental illness, but stay hopeful, stay focused and be passionate. Once you find your passion - You'll Never Look Back.

Broden Stewart