Mental Health Awareness Month
I sometimes think that I sound like a broken record with the way that I talk about #MentalHealthAwareness. Then I realize, you can never talk too much about this topic! We're ever growing creatures, which means that our minds are also ever growing, and we must continue to be in the healthiest of mindsets. During May, we take the time to acknowledge and shed light on #MentalHealth. We seek to diminish the stigma, while simultaneously educating others and providing support.
This #LoveNotes will be rather short, as I intend to give you mostly best practices that you can use not just for yourself, but also for others who may be in a negative space. Due to Covid-19, I think that many of us are feeling more anxiety and possibly depression than ever. I know for me, my anxiety has been skyrocketing since the initial #StayAtHome order began. I'm a creature of habit, so my initial thought is to let the anxiety take over and fill the space, but I've been doing everything in my power to fight against those thoughts and keep my mental space clear. I'm hoping I can provide you with some tips and tricks to help, too!
The biggest resource I've found is NAMI. They are one of the biggest organizations that raise awareness on Mental Health. They are currently running a campaign titled "You Are Not Alone" that features experiences of people who are affected by mental illnesses, but are continuing to fight the stigma and educate others. You can share your story or read others' stories to show support.
(https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Month)
I'm a huge supporter of NAMI as their site has many resources tailored to specific categories of #MentalHealth.
I speak openly about it, but I find that therapy is a great resource, as well. It is beneficial to have a licensed individual guide you through your thought processes and provide you with techniques that alleviate anxiety or other unwanted feelings.
Some of the techniques that I've learned to help cope with my mental illnesses are:
1. Journaling: writing daily about my thoughts and feelings so they aren't clouding my head.
2. Talking: this may seem like a no-brainer, but talking to others who you trust can help lessen the negative feelings that occur.
3. Listen to yourself: when your body tells you that you need a break, take the break. Whatever is on your list can wait until you recenter yourself.
4. Be honest with yourself: if you feel that you may be spiraling, do not ignore it. You must be honest with yourself and willing to give yourself the help that you need.
5. Breathe: this is another one that seems simple, but I've found that I forget to breathe more often than I'd like to admit. I tend to allow my anxiety get the best of me, but breathing will 9/10 help level you out again.
I do not have all the answers. I can only tell you what I've found to be helpful. I pray that #MentalHealth continues to be a topic of discussion and that we continue to minimize the stigma around it. We are all human beings. We are truly not as different as we'd like to believe. Be kind to one another. Understand that we all don't wear our battles on our sleeves. And continue to be patient and loving.
If you or someone you know is contemplating their life, please call the suicide hotline: 1-800-273-8255 & visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for more information.
For more information about #mentalhealth and how to assist others, please visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (#NAMI) webpage: https://www.nami.org/#
May your day be ever filled with love, light, and of course, an abundance of chicken tenders💜🌻✨
Cheyenne Pajardo