When trauma hits: Mental Health Awareness

Welcome everyone to the blog section of A Positive Seed! This new section will feature your entries, good news, stories, journeys, life, and tons of positive messages. If you ever need somewhere to go, come here! Submit, comment, share your stories with others.

This first post will be on a local ripper from Michigan, Kyle Ruerat. He wanted to share his story and let others who may be dealing with or delt with mental illness that they are not alone and how he uses skating as a positive resource. Let him know what you think! and submit your stories/news/message to APositiveSeedco@Gmail.com

"It all started when I was in eleventh grade and on my way to school one April morning. I was driving in rush hour traffic when a pickup truck behind me decided to fly up the turn lane going into the middle school. This is when a smaller car turning into this lane was struck by this pickup truck at 55 mph!! I was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. The car that was hit by the truck spun out of control and smashed into the drivers side of my car! Then the lights went out! I was knocked unconscious and woke up to the sight/sound of flashing lights. Luckily, I had no serious injuries, just a few minor bumps and bruises.

Since this accident, I began developing some concerning mental health issues. I was having symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress disorder and panic attacks. As time went on and I began dealing with this life altering event I began to go downhill altogether. I graduated high school and began college at Lansing Community. During my first semester I experienced issues with body image and afraid of putting on the so called "freshman 15." I lost almost 30 pounds in 4 months and was running out of reasons to keep going with my life. I had stopped skating and pursuing any other hobbies I was interested in.

My parents thought it was best if I see a therapist to help with these serious issues. It started with outpatient therapy at St. Joes in Ann Arbor. After two days, I had a mental breakdown in front of a doctor I was seeing at the time. I told her I didn't want to live anymore. The Doctor I was seeing thought it was best that I be admitted into the impatient program at St. Joes.

Nurses and Medical doctors informed me that my body was exhausted and would start shutting down from my drastic weight loss. Diagnosed with anorexia nervous, major depressive disorder, and an array of other health issues, I knew the seriousness of the situation. After 26 days in the hospital, I was released and have been doing quite well since then!

I have returned to skating and have been forever grateful for the joy it has brought into my life! I have met some amazing people and enjoy helping others better themselves on and off the board! I hope that I can be an individual that people look up to who may be dealing with issues like mine.

I truly believe my story can be a great example on overcoming the hardships of life and being a person that is considered A Positive Seed to the skate community altogether! Enjoy life and go skate!"

Follow Kyle on social media! @kyleruerat

If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide call this number: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number: 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://afsp.org/

For more on mental health awareness visit: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/