Lighthouse: A Shining Light in Mental Illness

I was listening to a song by Mallory Knox called “Lighthouse.” A particular lyric struck a chord in me and inspired this.

“Find the lighthouse in the dark, and shine a light on every single soul that weeps.”

This line really hit me. I’ve listened to this song a million times, but it wasn’t until now that I interpreted it in my own way.

It talks about finding a lighthouse to shine a light on yourself and those in need. That’s one of the most important lyrics I’ve heard. A lot of people, myself included, see their depression as a black cloud, a darkness, or something in relation that blocks out the light and goodness of life. However, this lyric battles that.

It hints that you find a lighthouse to help brighten up that darkness, and that’s something I think we can all do. Now that “lighthouse” doesn’t have to be anything in particular; it can be anything you want. It could be reading, listening to music, a person in your life… anything, really. What matters is that your lighthouse shines bright enough for you that the dark clouds move, even for a little bit. But for that moment they’re gone. For the time being, your lighthouse is shining so bright nothing can ever dull it.

This concept might sound cheesy, but I’ve learnt through my struggle with depression that any way to help yourself think positively is a way to help clear that darkness away.

Leading me on to the next part of the lyric, possibly my favourite line: “shine a light on every single soul that weeps.” Never ever feel like you’re alone in this. I can almost guarantee someone else has felt what you’re feeling or similar. Reach out to someone if you can — and that goes out to both those dealing with mental health issues and those who aren’t. Reach out to those you think are in need, and remind them they’re never alone. Mental illness can be a very lonely place even if you’re surrounded by love, as I’ve learnt from my own experience. Banding together and shining our own lighthouse on other people reminds them to stay strong and reminds them they’re not the only ones going through it. There is help, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel and hundreds of people who will be more than willing to lend a helping hand. Don’t worry if you need a little guidance along the way.

Lighthouses guide boats to safety and stop them from hitting rocks along the way. Once you realise what your lighthouse is, let it do just that for you. Let it guide you away from your demons and direct you through the darkness. Allow it to steer you away from the rocks that will eventually cause you to sink. You can do this.

What I’m trying to say is that everyone deserves to have a light in their life, no matter what it is. Games, family, friends, books, makeup. Hopefully if you look hard enough, it will be there. Once you find it, remind yourself that you won’t be like this forever and let it help you to get away from the darkness. The escape may not last forever, but the little steps are always the most important.

I hope this made sense, and I hope that it helps whoever it needs to. Here is me shining a light on those who need it. I am here, and so are you, so never forget how far you’ve come and how hard you’ve fought already.

Look out for your lighthouse and blast that darkness away.

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