What’s Good, Mental Health?
Image is an overlay of two collage pieces by Aleksandra Morawiak and Anna Sorokina.
There’s no denying that 2020 has been hard on every single person on this planet (and the planet herself). Some, of course, more so than others, but still difficult nonetheless. I don’t need to list the tragedies, injustices, and crises that have flooded our year to get the point across. It’s pushed a lot of us to the edge and talking about how we’re all doing collectively as well as personally, I feel, is important.
Whether you battle mental illnesses chronically or not, sadness and situational depression can be brutal. Personally, I’ve faced clinical depression and anxiety since I was about 13 years old. It comes in waves and can be triggered by various things (or just because). This year’s mental health ~status~ has been fragile. And by fragile, I mean it’s been fucking HARD. Some days it’s hard to get out of bed and to do anything but lay still.
I remember feeling extremely alone when I was first navigating how to deal with my symptoms. I didn’t want to tell anyone about what I was feeling because I didn’t want to feel 1. like a burden and 2. like I was broken.
I can assure you that you are not a burden, you are not broken, and you are not alone.
Although the stigma that surrounds mental health has been shifting ever-so-slightly, we still have a long way to go. What I want you to take away from this is: I’m here with you. I feel it too. Collectively, we’re all feeling it. It’s okay to feel sad and angry and exhausted.
I hope you feel empowered to talk about your feelings to your family, friends, partners, pets, therapists, whomever you feel can comfort and support you. Ask for help if you need it. Take time for yourself and remember to go easy on yourself, too. There’s no right way to go about any of this.
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Before you go, I ask that you take a moment of silence in honor of the people whose lives have been robbed from them. Let the anger and sadness of the injustices fuel action towards systematic change. Do your part by voting, donating what you can (time, money, resources, skills), educating yourself, marching, and continuing the momentum of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and a long exhale out. Dedicate energy and time to being part of the change. All in all, spread love and be intentional with your words and your actions.
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RESOURCES
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
“SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.”
Black Lives Matter | Global Actions
“Join the Movement to fight for Freedom, Liberation and Justice by signing up for updates, supporting our work, checking out our resources, following us on social media, or wearing our dope, official gear.”
Make a plan, know your options, schedule time.
XO,
HMC
