Hey everyone, I’m Devon Mitchell!

I am 28 years old and have been through a lot in that small amount of time. I moved to Cordell in 2006 with my family and started 7th grade here. I graduated in 2012. I was active in sports, FFA, and speech. Cordell holds a very special place in my heart and always will. It’s the town that holds many memories for me and is home to a community that has helped shape me into the man that I am today.

I am a mental health advocate. Some people say they “suffer” from some mental health issues, but I like to say I “deal” with my mental health. It’s a coping mechanism that I’ve learned through the past year. It puts you in control and not the illness.  I deal with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

I'm excited to create guest posts for Phoenix so we can talk about the things that are hard to talk about. I will share how I cope with different things and the things I’ve used to heal my overthinking mind, my broken heart, and obstacles along the way.

This is to show you that you’re not alone in your journey and that it’s okay to not be okay. Lisa Olivera says, “Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn’t mean you can, should or need to do it alone”.

With all of that said, I’m not perfect and I’m still healing from things from my past. I
have accountability partners and, some days, it’s hard to put my feet on the ground to start the day. I find encouragement through friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. Sometimes, it’s a blessing but can also be a curse.

The curse being that I sometimes forget about myself. YOU are important and you can’t help others if you don’t take care of yourself first. When you mask your mental health or anything you struggle with, for others. You still go home to the same  problems with no progress. You still have that empty feeling when you’re alone and feel as such, like you’re alone. When you put yourself as a priority, you begin to understand the struggles of healing but also the rewards. You can relate to people by understanding the setbacks, the tears of joy, and the sense of accomplishments.

Here is a question: If I asked you to start writing down what you love, how long would it take you to write yourself? Some, would never even think about it. Others, would put themselves at about 10 or so. When you begin to put yourself at that number one spot, you’ll begin that journey of finding YOURSELF.

If no one has told you lately that you are loved, you’re enough, and that you can do this. I’m here to tell you that now!

Until next time!

Devon