July 16 2020

Dear Paréa,

Today, 16 July 2020, marks one month of being clear of psychotropics. I woke up on 16 June 2020 to Youth Day, and God gave me my youth back!

In the past month, I have had more energy, more spirit and more creativity than I’ve had in years. I woke up at 07h00 this morning to do a celebratory run at 08h00 (when the sun was up). For those of you who know my journey and how getting out of bed before midday for most of this year (and plenty other times in my life), was an Everest to me, you will understand that this is a significant victory.

I want to thank my mom (Helen) and dad (Angelos), Revana, Josh, Paul, Susi, Rob, Dr West, Irene, Tyla and Ryan for what they have done to get me to this point. A lot of you have played critical roles in leading me here too, so forgive me for excluding you; you know who you are.

I want to say that we should not take GPs, specialists and psychiatrists seriously. My very first psychiatrist (anonymous for privacy) surprised me when he said, “We don’t really know what we’re doing; any psychiatrist worth his weight in salt will tell you the same.” I loved this person. I still do. He has completely changed my views on mental health and highlighted the deep gifts of mental illness. I can’t wait to share more of my thoughts on this with you — watch this space!

So today is somewhat of a continued celebration but it’s still a challenge. I am growing and being challenged daily, which is great.

I will be spending some time with an integrative group of therapists in the next weeks. I’m thrilled about this and want to thank my family for their bravery and incredible support. The fight is real and my mom and dad have been in the trenches, on the front lines, fighting alongside me in every way.

I don’t want to make this too long, so I will end it here. Please feel free to not respond. If you’d like to respond, you know I’d love to hear from you. Encouragement and love is always welcome; however, I also know that you have lives and that life does not revolve around me.

Onwards and upwards,

To mental wealth,

Keems