Mental Health: she’s a bitch
Did you know that more than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their life? That number is ridiculous. I’m fairly certain 100% of us deal with some sort of mental health issues at least a handful of times during our lifetime. There is no way a complex thinking human being can survive a death in the family, relationship breakup, being laid off or some other very normal life event without it having some effect on our mental health. More like 50% of us seek professional help for it and the other 50% suffer in silence. And that’s really the point to this little blog.
Like at least half of the documented population, I have always struggled with my mental health, but the difference is...I very rarely pass up the opportunity to talk about all of the things that have proven to be effective for me. Not because I think the same treatment will 100% help someone else but because it’s important to treat it with the same openness as you would a common cold. There’s no shame in saying you’re going through a rough time. We’ve all been there. But our culture is so obsessed with this image of perfection that we actively avoid having raw and real discussions with others and more importantly, with ourselves. We may be good at stuffing it inside of a box or drinking it away but no one is happy, successful or content 100% of the time. The human journey simply does not work that way.
I’m incredibly proud to say that several friends and family members have sought help because of my willingness to be so open about my own struggles. Again…zero shame on this subject. I am honestly more shocked when someone tells me they’ve never seen a therapist than if they told me they were housing a Big Foot in their basement. Like…all of your thoughts are just in your head and never shared, examined or rationalized with another person? My head would spontaneously explode while still finding a way to worry if the brain spatter ruined the carpet. #anxiety
While life is beautiful and exciting, it can also be mundane and ugly. We process so much information on any given day it’s a wonder that we still feel anything at all. And when those big life moments come? We all too often kick into hyperdrive avoiding those ugly emotions like the literal plague until one day they catch up with you and you realize…there’s nowhere to hide any longer.
If you are truly struggling with something in your life, save yourself the time and misery and meet it head on. If you are blessed to have an insurance carrier cover therapy or financially able to do so…check into it. Start exercising if you can. There are so many benefits to working out and is my #1 tool. Journal your thoughts. Admittedly, I hate doing this myself but…it does provide so much perspective and allows you the opportunity to play devil’s advocate. I had a therapist teach me that for every negative feeling I relay onto the page, I have to combat it with three FACTS that disproves it. Very annoying at first but also incredibly helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy is insanely effective. So is spending time in nature. Talking to trusted friends. Seeking comfort in your faith. Establishing boundaries. There are hundreds of ways you can take a step in the right direction towards feeling more like yourself and not one of them are hiding in the closet with your feelings. Trust me…I’ve tried that one, too.
And if you ever need a friend to talk to…I’m a call, text or message away!