Take Care
As Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to an end, I wanted to be sure to talk about it because this aspect of my health is just as important as physical health. They are also tied together. Being active, getting stronger, and accomplishing new goals are all great ways to relieve stress and gain confidence. Most days after work, I am a little grumpy and frustrated and on days I exercise I tend to be more positive.
A few things that stand out to me:
Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world,
Approximately 10.2 million adults have co-occuring mental health and addiction disorders
Black & Hispanic Americans used mental health services at 1/2 the rate of White Americans in the last year and 1/3 of Asian Americans
The stigma of mental health and therapy in our culture is so pervasive and that worries me because so many people are struggling and they don’t get help. Some people are embarrassed, some people are afraid, treatment can be expensive, and sometimes there are not enough resources in local communities. The outcome of not addressing your mental health is so dark and I don’t want that for anyone. Personally, it took me a while to start therapy because I was afraid that my problems weren’t big enough and I developed this not so healthy habit of suffering in silence. I’m so glad I went to therapy because it really helped me learn how to process what worries me and how to overcome those really difficult days. My therapist also empowered me to talk and open up to those who are close to me because as humans we are social and building safe relationships helps with healing too.
I plan to share more in the future about how I take care of myself mentally and giving you some of my strategies to practice on your own and I hope that you find it helpful. Overall, I wanted everyone reading this to know that this is a safe space and I empathize with you because I’m still learning too.
Ways to get help:
Talk to your doctor
Connect with others (family, friends, support groups)
Educate yourself to learn more about mental illness
If you’re from Indiana: bewellindiana.com
Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness nami.org
