Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Since 1949, May has been nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. The goal is to raise awareness and educate the public on symptoms, causes, and available treatments. A larger mission is to inspire more social empathy for those who suffer.
One in every 5 adults in the U.S. - 43.8 million people - experience some type of mental illness. While many need and obtain essential treatment, half of those affected do not. Most sufferers do not know how to approach therapists or even friends or family to talk about mental health. There exist negative stereotypes and a widespread stigma attached to a person who is challenged by mental health problems.
My own struggles
Mental Health Awareness Month holds a very special place in my heart. It is not easy for many of us to admit we need help. During a particularly dark time in my life, I made the difficult, yet necessary decision to ask for help.
Through the unconditional love and support of my family, through hard work in therapy, and learning many coping tools and skills that I still practice regularly (recovery is always fluid and ongoing), I found hope, meaning, inspiration, purpose, and light at the end of my tunnel. And I once again learned how to experience hope and joy.
Self care is healthcare
One of the most important things missing most when it comes to a healthy lifestyle is self-care. Doing things that are restorative, recharge our batteries, and hit our reset buttons.
My work has always been about inspiring others to live better, happier lives in body, mind, and spirit. I can do that best by embodying and reflecting the principles I teach.
Practicing what I teach
Every year since 2017 I went on a yoga retreat as a way to practice self-care. In July of 2019, I went to Maui – my particularly happy place – for a yoga retreat at a stunningly beautiful retreat center. Of course, 2020 looked different - A LOT different. In fact, it was extremely challenging for all of us, definitely for me personally.
I did everything I could to try and stay in a healthy space and practice self-care, which was very challenging. But I learned that I must allow the ebbs and flows, the challenges and the joys, the trials and tribulations, and validate and normalize the human experience.
Now that the world is slowly starting to dip its toe back in the water, I’ve made a decision to take my own retreat - a long trip to Maui where I'll be practicing major self-care for my body, mind, and certainly my creative spirit so that I may live with more joy.
Honoring yourself in the present moment
I’d like to offer you this: Be good to yourself, listen to what your needs are in this moment right here and right now and honor them. The present moment is all we have. We do not know the future. We have no control over the outcome of things, but what we do have control over is our values, our beliefs, our thoughts, our breath, how we choose to move and take care of ourselves, and who we choose to love. The first person on that list should be yourself.
You are not alone
I believe it is so important to not only discuss mental health, but to normalize the conversation and let those struggling know that they are not alone. One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to feel it all and share. Sharing with loved ones allows us to feel more connected and human and “normal”. I am here to offer a safe space for anyone who feels the need to reach out. It’s perfectly okay to admit you’re not okay. I want you all to feel seen, heard, and know that you are not alone.