It's #mentalhealthmonday and I've had a lot on my mind around this topic lately. Let's talk about #relationship deficits and how they relate to mental health. 44% percent of young adults reported a sense of not mattering to others, and 34% reported loneliness. 

My biggest trigger for these feelings is family; my own family, and the idea of family. Even when I was present and attempting to repair relationships with certain branches of my family tree, I never felt seen, and it wasn't a healthy environment. Through therapy I found healthy separation and growth with those who I couldn't repair a relationship, but it still pains me to have that hole in my life. 

What helps the most is reaching out to the family that I chose. A mixture of close friends and a few relatives, they are the ones that keep me grounded and grateful. Those are the people that feed my soul and keep me going. It's these #connections that remind me to find value in myself and appreciate where I've been.