A Year of a Million Pieces
- Tommi
- Apr 2, 2020
- 3 min read
I was in an internal fight to be perfect, to make other people proud of me, to be the strong woman I was raised to be, and to simply be enough. - Jasmin Chatman
A Year of a Million Pieces is a heartwarming true story of the metamorphosis of a troubled childhood to the triumph of womanhood. From abortion to contemplating suicide, author Jasmin Chatman is unapologetic in the revealing of her struggle with mental health, anxiety, and contemplating fatal outcomes as a method to cope. With the impact that Covid-19 is having on mental health, this was the perfect opportunity to speak with Jasmin about her story. In respect of social distancing, we conducted our chat via Facetime. As always, even during this time of despair, Jasmin chimes in bubbly and excited to speak about her story, but what I always find refreshing about Jasmin is that she is interested in your story first. Unselfishly, she starts by asking me questions about how I am doing, and we find ourselves deep in off task conversion, however, as a loving and devoted mother of twin boys, who made a cute cameo at the start of our interview, the new normal of wearing her teacher/mom/wife hat at home reminded us to get back to business as it is imperative to keep them on a different, but new regular schedule.
After reading Jasmin’s narrative, and as a friend having no idea that she was suffering with a mental health struggle, I became intrigued and asked her, “At what point in your journey of healing did you realize that you wanted to share your story?” “I never wanted to share it.” She smiled, “It was nothing that I ever set out to do; it was something that came to me organically through writing in my journal.” “So journaling was pivotal for you?” I asked, “Journaling saved my life!”, she exclaimed. “I was having horrible panic attacks and wanted to end it all. I wanted to write down how I was feeling as a suicide note to myself. I read it over again and identified the root cause of why I was feeling hopeless. Now, journaling is a daily habit because it helps me process my inner thoughts and emotions so I can be able to later reflect and process and heal.”
There is no surprise that Jasmin turned to writing. As an educator who specializes in teaching children fundamental writing skills, Jasmin used that very tool to help teach herself one very important lesson. The lesson of self-love. Research out of New Zealand shows that journaling is a practice that helps wounds heal faster. James W. Pennebaker, a social psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, who is also a pioneer of writing therapy suggest that labeling emotions and acknowledging traumatic events are natural outcomes of journaling. It helps to organize events in our mind and make sense of trauma. His research also highlights that journaling about traumatic or disturbing experiences specifically has the most impact on our overall well-being.
Using the journaling practice also helps to address another stigma. Mental health. The topic of mental health, especially in the African American community, still serves as a taboo subject. According to Health and Human Services for Minority Health, 10% of African Americans are more likely to experience psychological distress due to unmet needs and other barriers. With this fact in mind, I asked Jasmin, “What is your message to those who are reluctant to seek mental health help, especially within the African American community?” “Suffering in silence eventually kills you.” She said. “There is no way to heal if you continue to operate in brokenness; the healing process hurts, but it is worth it in the end.” Pretty sound advice considering 30% of African Americans adults receive mental health treatment compared to the U.S. average of 43%.
A Year of a Million Pieces is an inspirational grab for those who are struggling with mental illness or anyone who is grappling with putting the pieces of their life back together. This testimony is written as proof that anyone can have a breakthrough within their own journey if they continue to have faith, believe, and seek the assistance they need. Jasmin, I salute you for revealing your story. Although you initially did not want to disclose your journey to the world, your bravery, transparency, and honesty not only saved your life, but it has the potential to save the countless lives of others. My hope is that you find comfort in knowing that making the heroic decision to share your piece, will indeed bring someone peace, one chapter at a time.
Get your copy of A Year of a Million Pieces on Amazon:
You can also follow Jasmin’s journey through her website at: https://www.perseveranceiskey.com/
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