Embracing Mental Health Awareness
The truth of it is that no one is immune to mental health concerns. We all know someone who has struggled, or we personally have struggled ourselves. But it’s so infrequently talked about or shared for a myriad of reasons. We can blame it on the perception of the topic, or on feeling shamed for ‘why can’t we just be happy’. The thing is, when mental health is ignored, it snowballs and becomes bigger and bigger.
So how do we start the conversation? To normalize that you, me, your neighbor… whoever has all experienced some level of mental health concerns. Whether it was when you felt overwhelmed at work, or really sad about the loss of someone in your life. Sometimes life happens and sometimes we have feelings… It is what makes us human.
Normalizing mental health concerns
First things first: let's shatter the perception surrounding mental health. It's crucial to recognize that struggling with mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our humanity. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Literally that stranger on the street has struggled with their mental health.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health is more than just ‘feeling good’, it encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave in everyday life. It is what makes us feel like a functional person, living by our values and growing into who we want to be. However, just like physical health, our mental health fluctuates, influenced by various factors such as genetics, environment, and life experiences. You can be doing everything you can for your mental health, and still may see signs of anxiety and depression.
Spotting the Signs
Being aware of the signs of mental health issues is crucial for early intervention and support. These signs can manifest differently in each individual but at the most basic level I say it’s when you don’t recognize yourself, or feel like you aren’t you anymore. Sometimes this looks like feeling sad for no reason, having changes in sleep or appetite, not wanting to socialize, being really irritable, having difficulty concentrating. Paying attention to these cues, both in ourselves and others, empowers us to seek help when needed. Just because you notice these things doesn’t mean something is wrong, but it may mean that a professional can help guide you through what’s a concern and what can help get you out of this feeling.
Self-Care: A Priority, Not a Luxury
Self-care is not selfish; it's a necessity. Prioritizing our well-being through activities that nurture our mind, body, and soul is essential for maintaining good mental health. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, engaging in hobbies we love, or simply taking a moment to breathe, self-care reminds us that our needs matter. It also does not (nor should it be) anything fancy. When I mean self care, I mean taking 5 minutes out of your day to do something that recharges you. It means being purposeful and intentional with your time to fill yourself up even in the midst of a busy day.
This helps to build resilience, make your needs met, and empowers you to make a change in your day.
Seeking Support
No one should navigate the complexities of mental health alone. Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can make a world of difference and can be what SAVES you or someone else in your life. Whether it's through therapy, support groups, or simply having a heartfelt conversation with a loved one, reaching out is the first step toward healing and resilience.
If you don’t know where to start, feel free to email me or DM me on instagram and I can help. Other good places are: Psychology Today, ZenCare
In the grand tapestry of life, mental health is the vibrant thread that connects us all and is a shared experience by everyone. We simply cannot be humans without emotions, which I think is a beautiful thing. The challenge is that it isn’t recognized or talked about which further isolates someone in an already emotionally difficult time.
By embracing mental health awareness, we not only nurture our own well-being, but also create a more compassionate and understanding world for future generations. So, let's continue this journey together, one step at a time. We are a team in this. We want to make sure nobody has to go solo through this part of their journey.