Open.

“I know how difficult it can be to struggle in silence, but I also know that opening up about your problems is the greatest gift you can give yourself.”

With my music and story,
I want to encourage you to do the same: Open up.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES:

For global resources visit www.checkpointorg.com

If there’s a platform we should add to this list, please send us their contact information to info@levisilvanie.com

Share your story.

In October 2021, I shared a personal video note opening up about my struggles with mental health.

I did this with the hopes of empowering others to believe that by healing loudly, you inspire others to seek help. Share your story with us.

Other stories.

  • I deal with irregular depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety when in big crowds or when in very stressful situations. There are moments when I separate myself from everyone around me and push them out. There are moments when I can't fully control my emotions. I have lost friendships over this. I have lost the appetite to live happily.

    I pray and meditate. I go to therapy. I try to explore my talents/hobbies. These are all equally very important in improving mental health.

    Listen to yourself. Answer the question: what do you need and why? And act upon it. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to take steps that help you and solely you. It might seem selfish but it's not. Your mental health is a priority.

    — 32, Male, Aruba

  • Fully healed from depression! Extreme low energy, dark moods, feeling useless, mental-, physical-, and emotional pain.

    I healed by doing these therapies/methods: psychosomatic therapy, Life Coach, psychologist, physical therapist, chiropractor, prayer, journaling, crying, nature walks, and fasting. I did not want to take medication because I knew and believed that I could heal without it and I really dived into neuroscience and the power of belief.

    Going through this healing process is painful, but if you persevere you will realize your greater purpose. Refer to external help. Your friends & family are not your therapists. They can't carry the burden like a trained professional can.

    — 36, Female, Curaçao

  • Everytime I get confronted with other people that have the things I didn't. With things I mean; a loving and supporting family. My past haunts me daily. Even though I am successful in my field of work, I still feel like I am looking for something I wish I had.

    I developed severe depression, PTSD, and a binge eating disorder. My past has shaped my personality to be someone that doesn't trust people. I think that really affects me even though it is a developed defense mechanism.

    I talk to my fiance, I tell people how I am feeling. Do not say yes to everything, say when something bothers you. I surround myself with like-minded people and believe in myself.

    — 32, Male, Aruba

  • I deal with anxiety and self doubt. I tend to punish myself when I feel I'm not enough. Leading me to overwork and burn out, or complete isolation and hiding from life.

    Counting my blessings out loud, going through everything I'm thankful for, exercising, and keeping a clean environment have helped me. Be kind to yourself, and forgive yourself.

    — 27, Male, Bonaire

  • I have been struggling with depression since around 15/16 years old. Struggling with myself, my sexuality, society's image pressure, feeling like I didn't fit in and having no one around to talk to, who understood. I was a very closed-off teenager. Always quiet or angry.

    Music kept me alive. When I moved to the Netherlands, I moved here alone. Moving here, in a different environment drove me into a darker place than I've ever been. For years I've struggled, wanting to die. I felt so disgusted with myself.

    At 34 I tried to end my life. My dog saved me. How an animal can feel how wrong something is going that they try to help you. My dog was the only reason I was willing to give life one more chance. I went into therapy with the correct person. This woman saved my life, even when she has always been so humble to tell me that I did it myself. But if it wasn't for her and the tools she gave me, I would not be here. I saved myself. She showed me that I was not worthless and that my worth was mine alone and no one should have an influence on that.

    — 37, Female, Netherlands

  • I struggled with mental health challenges since I was a kid. I had intrusive thoughts from a very young age. This was very scary and distressing. Shortly after I started getting suicidal thoughts.

    When COVID hit, I started getting physical symptoms and took the scary step of asking for help. I started going to a psychologist and she has made me realize a lot of things. I now have many tools to deal with hard moments and a different outlook on myself and of life. I am taking medication and this also helped me be able to have the headspace to actually practice what I learn in therapy.

    I found so many beautiful people when I started opening up. I am surrounded by love. Not every day is easy, but I realized that the only one who can save me was myself all along. Having others that understand though can make this process a bit easier.

    Please be kind to others. You do not always know what someone is going through from how they seem on the outside. Even if you don't fully understand it, kindness can make a big difference and make someone feel less alone.

    — 31, Female, Aruba

  • Mi a struggle hopi aña ku depresion sin sa y sin buska judansa. Ora a buska judansa a wordu duna un diagnose di un personality disorder huntu ku depreshon. Despues di esey tur kos a bin abou, failed suicide attempt.

    Mi sa kon hundu mi a jega y purba tur manera pa no jega eynan mas. Bisa tur loke mi tin ku bisa sin tene nada paden. Buska judansa anto pura. Asina bo haña e connection ku un psycholoog, habri pa e por juda bo. Djies skucha, djies tey.. den e momentu nai mi no por ta mi so.

    — 41, Female, Curaçao