May 4th, 2021
Spring is here! It has brought with it flowers, green grass, beautiful weather, sunshine, and allergies. I hope you have been enjoying all things spring, except the allergies! Mental health is a pretty heavy topic, but I will do my best to keep it light and provide helpful and practical tips to maintain good mental health each week this month. Maintaining good mental health is a vital component to self-care. Let’s dive right into all things mental health, beginning with defining it. *As someone who has struggled at times with mental health, let me warn you that this is a sensitive and sometimes difficult topic to discuss. I promise to be as transparent as possible and give you solid information.
Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being according to mentalhealth.gov. Our mental health affects how we think, how we behave, and how we feel about ourselves (our mood). Our mental health influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and the choices we make every day. Your mental health is impacted by your genes, your family history, and your life experiences. Mental health problems are common, but the good news is your mental health can be improved.
We are all probably familiar with the terms depression, PTSD, and anxiety. These terms have become buzz words in the news and on social media over the last year and, because of events over the past year, has helped raise awareness of mental health issues. I have personally battled depression and anxiety at different times in my life. With the help of professionals, a great support system and developing skills to help shift my mindset, I am able to maintain good mental health and recover quickly from any pitfalls that I incur along my journey. I do not make that statement flippantly or to pat myself on the back, I say this to encourage you if you are in the midst of a struggle that you can get through this. Will it be easy? Definitely not, but it is so worth it! Do not misunderstand me! I know firsthand it is a challenge and if you feel like it is too much to deal with alone, then reach out for help. There is no shame in asking for help. No one person is a master at everything in life and we all need help at one time or another. If you need help finding resources available to you, reach out to me, do a google search, or ask a pastor or doctor, just please do not remain silent. Let me be clear, I am not a mental health professional but I can help you find a professional in your area.
I want to thank you for reading this week, whether this is the first time or you are a loyal subscriber. This topic is near and dear to my heart as mental health problems have affected those close to me. I look forward to the rest of the month as we will cover how to recognize the warning signs in yourself and others, ways to get and stay mentally healthy, and ideas on how to develop your own routine to maintain good mental health.
I am so glad you tuned in this week for my blog! Do you have a friend or family member that could benefit from this blog? Tell them to subscribe!
Have a blessed week ~ Lacey