It’s time to start talking about mental health more openly and honestly.

"Revitalize Your Life, One Chapter at a Time"

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Too often, mental health is seen as a taboo topic and one that we should all keep to ourselves. But the truth is, mental health affects us all – and it’s time to start addressing why we all need to be a community and say so.

Mental health problems are common, and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. At times, we all have mental health and don’t know how to fix them. It’s easy to feel like it’s a personal failing when we or someone we love is dealing with mental health issues, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Growing up, I can’t tell you how many times I felt as a teenager dealing with adult problems that I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore- and I still have moments like that today. But the thing that gets me through is knowing that I have people in my life who love me and support me, and I know if it gets too much, someone will be there to pick me up.

Full disclosure I am still working on asking for help, and I guess that’s why I understand that it is at the person’s breaking point when something unexpected happens. I’m not making any excuse for any actions that have led to anything criminal or very hurtful; I am saying that I understand.

We all need someone to talk to at some point, and it’s okay not to be okay.

Ever since we’ve been asked to wear masks, I enjoy some of the perks that come with them. I feel a little more anonymous in public, and I can people-watch without feeling guilty. Sometimes when I feel frustrated, I don’t have to smile to indicate that I am okay when I’m not. I can rest and recharge my spirits. I can’t imagine what it’s like for those that have to wear a mask all the time and hate it because they feel like they can’t show their true selves to the world.

Is there anyone to talk to?

It’s time to start talking about mental health more. When I think about the latest surge in crime in New York, and all over, I wonder when will the powers that be, help us? I can’t do it by myself, can you? Mental health is our responsibility, not just one person’s problem. We need mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. We need to be able to talk about mental health without stigma or judgment. We need to be able to ask for help when we need it.

We’re all in this together.

Until laws, programs, and higher concentration in self-care and wellness are incorporated into our daily lives; we will read another story about a tragedy that could have been avoided.

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Mental Health is not a YOU problem; it’s our problem.

Too often, if you’ve never felt incredible pain in your life or suffered through any issues, it might be challenging to produce empathy for others. You might feel bad about the situation and quickly sip your coffee and go on with your day. Empathy is not about becoming sad about other people’s misfortune that you make yourself suffer; it’s more about seeing the person and showing up in a way that you would hope someone would do for you. Self-care allows us to manage internal and external expectations without betraying ourselves or our mental health.

No one avoids enticing breaking news.

I briefly watch the news because it’s too much to manage daily. I see the abruptness, intensity, and pain happening more than ever. Unwarranted attacks, senseless murders, in strings of horror beyond comprehension. Everyone says they will fix it, and we will get better. We hashtag and then quickly move on to the next. It feels like we are disconnecting from love, humanity, and evolution faster than a microwave can pop popcorn.

Mental Health is not just one person. You have a responsibility for your happiness and overall well-being.

Although it may be challenging to do so, you must nurture your mental health just as you would your physical health – because they are equally important. Try to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and spend time doing things that make you happy. Most importantly, find a constructive way to express your angst that will help you heal and grow.

Don’t take the load on yourself.

It’s okay to be happy and have mental health! If you don’t feel comfortable talking about your mental health struggles to a loved one, get professional help. Try journaling or taking up a hobby that puts a smile on your face, and this becomes your tailor-made way to heal. You also can express joy when speaking with others instead of describing the pain.

For example, you can talk about your passions and hobbies or catch up and let the talk. No rulebook says that you always have to get healed from pain by talking about pain. Sometimes people can help you by not knowing that they are being asked. You have opportunities to heal if you take them and sometimes create them for yourself.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that you’re not alone. There are people all around you who understand what you’re going through and want to help. So please, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. We’re all in this together.