I wish more people knew these things about mental health…
Hi there! And welcome to another blog post! In case you missed it, May is mental health awareness month and as a way to commemorate it, I will be sharing posts here centered around mental health issues.
As I said before, I'm not a mental health professional with credentials, all I share is from my own experiences and research I have obtained from the internet plus my conversations with individuals on a personal level. Therefore, take the advice you need, and leave out what you may not need. I would also encourage you to do further research for yourself, in the aspects of mental health that you are curious to know more about.
Let’s get into today’s post!
Mental health struggles don’t have a face
‘How could they be depressed? They’re always smiling!’
‘How could they be anxious? They always look so confident!’
Have you ever heard of such statements? Or, have you ever said such statements?
Whenever we hear someone admitting their struggle, we wonder how they could struggle that way, yet the evidence is not… well… evident.
It’s because mental health struggles don't have a face. It’s not always apparent that someone is struggling.
The truth is, we know so little about other people’s lives. From that stranger on the street to even that person you live under the same roof with (which is really unfortunate.). And honestly, this makes me wonder why we aren’t just a little bit kinder to others. Why don’t we extend more grace to one another? Why don’t we take a moment to ask questions, instead of jumping to assumptions?
Every single person you encounter has a story. They probably have something they’re struggling with, so, remember to be kind :).
2. Anyone can struggle mentally
Mental health struggles do not discriminate. Anybody, no matter their age, status, point in life, career, etc, can struggle.
Kindly, remember this whenever you see someone in your life or in the public eye that you admire. From the outside looking in, you may assume that they have it all together, and their lives are perfect, but, they are the only ones who know what goes on behind the curtain. Every single person on earth has things they struggle with, especially mentally.
3. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness
It’s a sign of strength. It is NOT easy to admit your weaknesses.
Seeking help demonstrates that you are willing to do the work that will help you get rid of excess baggage, show up as a better and healthier person for your loved ones, and be a wholesome and healthy person.
Plus, the help you get will have a ripple effect, not only for you but also for your loved ones.
4. Healing does not have a timeline and is unique for everyone
The freedom I appreciate having in the healing process is that it does not have a timeline, and the process is unique and different for everyone. As long as you are intentionally on that journey, you are doing something significant.
There’s no rush, stay in the process and take your time.
5. Your mental health should be a priority
Why? Because it affects everything.
Personally, I learned this last year. When I was having a hard time mentally, it affected literally everything, and I was unable to show up at capacity. School, work, my relationships, even my chores!
I learned that at times, you will need to take a step back and take care of you, first, before you start taking care of everyone and everything else.
That’s all I got for today :).
Thank you so much for reading through! Like and share this post, I think someone somewhere will benefit from it :).
I’ll see you on the next one,
Xoxo
BK.
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