The stigmas and myths related to mental health have hurt people with mental health issues, their families and the communities around them. Honestly, we are all affected by mental illness.  I get upset when I hear people talk about others with mental health issues like they are outcasts of society. An individual with minor or severe mental illness is no different than a person with heart issues. The only difference is the body part. The person’s mind/ brain needs therapy, medicines, or both. This is akin to a person with a heart condition needing to physical therapy, a heart stint, and/or medicine.

Since those with mental health issues like chronic stress, anger, depression, and the like are raising in the country, it is imperative that we have open discussion without a person feeling uncomfortable or ashamed. Here four ways to be at ease when talking about mental health.

1: Know It’s Okay to Talk about Mental Health: If you or someone else you know has experienced mental health issues, it is okay. Do not be afraid to put your feelings out there. Do you know how many thoughts we have in one day, especially if you are a woman?  It is said that the average person experiences 48 thoughts in a minute and about 70,000 thoughts in one day. Yep, you read it right 70,000 thoughts in a day. Studies show that women are more emotional than men and may experience more feelings. If you are a man, you may be lifting your chin with pride about women being more emotional. Not so fast men! Women are more prone to share their feelings. This means many men are NOT sharing and are holding their feelings inside.  Since we are designed to be emotional beings (women and men); we can sometimes have a difficult time accurately expressing ourselves. Our experiences may hurt us to the core and this damage may affect our thoughts and behaviors. If this is you, it’s okay. There is nothing wrong with being angry, hurt, or disappointed. There is something wrong with NOT talking about it! So find someone your trust (preferably a loved one or professional) and talk about it.

2: Know When It’s Time to Connect with a Professional: Did you know that so many people could be helped if they would just reach out to a professional counselor or doctor? If you are overwhelmed with feelings, you should not wait to talk to a professional about it. Although the health care system is changing rapidly, each state has providers who are equipped to help you work through the difficult challenges of life, to walk along side of you, and help you focus on positive steps need to have a bright and meaningful future.

3: Use Those Ears (Listen): If you find that someone has come to you to talk, chances are they think of you as being a trusted confidant. Be the trusted confidant and listen to them. This takes compassion, empathy, and you giving them your undivided attention. Giving them your undivided attention means not thinking about what your response will be. Use those ears and be a good listener for them. You don’t have to know what to say. Just listen. By the way, please, PLEASE do not scroll through your phone when someone is feeling comfortable enough to open up to you about their mental state of being.

4: Do Some Positive Self-Care: I like to travel. I have a friend that loves to get her nails painted and “blinged” out. Maybe you like to write or to clean. Whatever it is that you like to do that will uplift you and encourage your well-being, do it. I cannot tell you how many times life has gotten challenging and the self-care gets pushed to the back seat. However, I advise you to be intentional about self-care. Rather life is hard or not, make positive self-care a habit. Think of it as an incentive to keep you focused and moving forward. Self-care gives you the extra push because it tells your mind it’s okay to relax and release. So get your relaxation on. Go to the spa for the massage, sleep in, go on that rock climbing adventure, or hop on that bike – it will definitely be the restoration you need to feel whole again.

Leave a Reply