Mental health matters, and May is a perfect time to talk about it. There’s nothing wrong with not feeling OK. Being aware of your mental health is the first step in healing. Here are a few simple ways we can end the stigma.
When we ask, “How are you really doing?” we invite compassion. A little check-in can change someone’s day and remind them they’re not alone. If you’re not sure what to say, start with, “I’m here to listen.”
I take this one personally, do not invalidate anyone’s feelings. That nearly destroyed me, I was told, “just go outside you’ll be fine” “other people have it worse” etc,, it’s so dismissive. Not being OK is valid. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Avoid jumping in with quick fixes unless someone asks for them.Sometimes a listening ear is all that’s needed.
Support over silence. Replacing “get over it” with “maybe get support” said with compassion, flips the energy from weakness to strength.
Debunk the myths and end the stigma. Mental health problems aren’t a sign of weakness. Mental health exists on a spectrum and can affect anyone. Healing is not linear. Our days are supposed to be filled with ups and downs. The key to healing is how we handle those ups and downs. Mental Health is the same as physical health. I’m literally begging everybody to take their mental health seriously. We’re human beings, we’re supposed to feel emotions and, when navigated properly, everyone can live a beautiful healthy life.