World Mental Health Day
This day, October 10th every year, has been dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and breaking the stigma that is so often attached to it. It is a day focused on encouraging people to focus on their mental well-being. It also serves as an important reminder that mental health is just as vital as our physical health. In my opinion, there should be a healthy balance between taking care of our physical self as well as our mental self.
Why is our mental health so important? Our mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social-well being. It affects how we think, how we feel, how we act, and it influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and the choices we make. Mental health isn’t always a diagnosed condition. Each and everyone of us has mental health, just as we do a physical body, and maintaining it is a continuous process throughout our lives.
Now, I am no expert however, I have had my share of struggles and am here to say that taking care of one’s mental health is extremely important. A lack of mental health care can affect anyone. I mean anyone, it discriminates against no one, regardless of background, status, or success. It’s wrath can ruthless and leave you standing in middle of a bumpy torn-up road, wondering which direction you should be going, often feeling like you have no choice but to fall to your knees and cry out in desperation do to the overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression, feelings of loneliness, and darkness, just to name a few.
I have often been so frustrated in trying to explain the heartache and feelings of depression to someone who hasn’t struggled with such feelings. I have made the statement on more than one occasion, mostly our of desperation for them to understand, “If I were laying in the road bleeding what would you do? Would you run to help or get me help?”, their response was always an absolute “yes!”. I then would follow that question up with a statement, “That is how I am feeling inside, you just can see it.” So many times those of us who have struggled with mental health feel so many ways and we desperately try to express how we are feeling to our loved ones and those around us however, they just don’t understand. They want to but unless they have ever experienced any mental health challenges themselves it is very difficult to comprehend.
I have found that it is important to try and foster an environment where I feel safe, and can seek help when needed, and where I am treated with kindness and understanding. It is my hope that if you are reading this and you have ever struggled that you are able to do the same. If you know a loved one or someone in your life that struggles fostering this type of environment around them is absolutely 100 percent so helpful.
Breaking the stigma, one of the biggest barriers to combating mental health care is stigma. The fear of judgment, discrimination, or the misunderstanding that keeps one from seeking the support that they need. One may worry that they are “weak” or “broken” or that they can handle their struggles on their own.
Like I mentioned above, mental health struggles are no different than physical struggles or challenges. If you had a broken leg you wouldn’t hesitate to seek treatment. At least most wouldn’t. In the same way, if you’re struggling emotionally or mentally, it’s not only okay to seek help, it’s essential.
Having a designated mental health awareness day is great! However, I think we need to have it everyday. There are steps we can all take to support our own mental well-being and that of others. Here are a few that I have come up with: One-Check in with yourself- make some time for self-reflection. Ask yourself questions, How am I feeling? Am I overwhelmed, anxious, or burned out? By acknowledging our emotions we are taking the first step in addressing them. For me I find solace in journaling, crafting, and spending time with those I love and trust. When it gets really heavy I have sought therapy until I was able to become emotionally stable and my emotions were in check and I felt stronger. You might consider meditation, spending time doing your favorite hobby, it looks different for each of us. Two-Talk about mental health openly. That’s right, you heard me TALK about it! Normalize conversations about mental health. If you’re comfortable sharing your own feelings and experiences with others, encourage others to do the same. The more we talk about it, the more we destroy the stigma that surrounds it. Three- Seek help when you need it. There should be no shame in seeking help from a mental health professional. Whether you are dealing with a specific isue or just feeling overwhelmed. Therapy, counseling, or even talking to a trusted friend or confidant can make a world of difference. Sometimes I have found that I don’t feel as alone after I have talked to a friend. After talking to them I feel like they have somehow helped lift some of the burden that I am carrying, if that makes any sense? Four- Support Others- Be there for others. Sometimes just listening and showing empathy can help someone feel less alone. Sometimes “listening” is all that is needed. Try to resist the urge to offer to fix anything, just being there and validating their feelings can be so powerful. Validation of one’s feelings in and of itself can make a world of difference for anyone. They need to be heard and seen. Five- Practice Self-Care, this isn’t a luxury it is a necessity. Find the things that bring you joy and that help you unwind. Is it exercising, reading, cooking, spending time with loved ones, nature, creating? I know when I was really struggling I pushed myself to get out of the house and I went and volunteered at our local food bank in town twice a week. I wish I could say I was doing it all for a good cause but I was doing it for me, I was forcing myself to get out of bed, get dressed, get in my car and show up twice a week with a smile on my face to serve. Not only was I serving, I was filling my own cup. I was learning and I was also doing the Lord’s work. Which during that time I could barely recognize, however looking back now I see the Lord was with me the whole time but especially on those days when I struggled so very much to swing one leg off the bed and then another and to get myself dressed, and well you get the picture. Six-Education. Take time to learn about mental health conditions, their symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding mental health helps us to better support ourselves and others more effectively.
Please note that if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health there is help out there. I am by no means an expert. I am just me, writing about something I am passionate about and have personally experienced throughout my life. I am so very grateful for the many individuals who helped me along the way. As I close, please remember that you are never alone even when it feels like it. On this journey you are NEVER ALONE, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Commit to prioritizing your mental health not just today but every day.
For your reference:
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for 24/7 support
