Today we mark World Mental Health Day. In a world where mental health issues are becoming more prevalent, it’s unfortunate that most do not understand what mental health is and it is still difficult for some to get proper mental health care and support.
According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
For some, it is a daily struggle against depression and suicidal thoughts. For others, it is a fight against anxiety. Schizophrenia. PTSD. Bipolar Disorder. Eating Disorders. And many many other forms of me
” There are times you don’t feel like getting out of bed. You just want to lay there and think about nothing. Yet, your mind chooses to rush to a million places at once and, somehow, bring up all your insecurities. You do your best to push back those negative thoughts and get on with your day.”
This year’s theme is mental health in the workplace. We spend a considerable amount of time in our places of work and can easily develop mental health issues as an effect of a negative work environment.
My mental health story, as with many others, is a daily struggle full of ups and downs. The hope is that through the journey I have more ups than downs.
I had my lowest moment a few weeks before my 26th birthday last year and every day I remind myself that I do not have to find myself in such a situation again if I take proper care of my mental health.
One of the beauties of life is that you learn every day. First learn not to lose sight of the bigger picture. Sometimes you feel like a drop of water in the ocean and other times you are the ocean. It’s easy to get trapped in the moment and think that there is not light at the end of the tunnel as they like to say.
Secondly, always do what’s best for you first. In other words, take care of yourself – physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. It’s easy to take care of a few of those but to be fully whole, you must take care of all the quadrants.
We often underestimate what physical fitness has on our mental health. In my case, I’ve had my most peaceful moments when I take care of my physical health as much as I do my mental health. Once you feel good about yourself and about your body it transcends to all other areas of your life.
Surround yourself with love, positive vibes and light. Be around people who have your best interest at heart. And on top of everything else, love yourself!
The struggles with mental health can be challenging. Sometimes, those closest to you do not get what you’re going through and it can be hard explaining it to them, and others. That doesn’t mean they stop caring.
Plus, if you ever need someone to talk to – hit me up. 🙂
powerful