Paula shares tips for Mental Health Awareness Month
As a card-carrying member of Gen X, we weren’t taught about mental health as kids. We were expected to get through it, no matter what it was or how hard it was, and there really wasn’t going to be anyone on the other side to console us when it was over. Now, I see how this generation of kids are being taught about mental health and rightfully so. It matters and it’s more than just being in therapy, which hopefully continues to lose its stigma. It means taking care of yourself and finding ways to relax and enjoy your surroundings on a regular basis.
In today’s age, we have what I call too many inputs. Too many inputs can cause circuit overload in electronics - think about cords plugged into your power strip! It’s the same for the human brain. We need to find ways to reset and let our brain rest otherwise we risk burn out. What you hope to avoid is withdrawing from loved ones, missing obligations or deadlines, isolating from friends, or creating worse outcomes like thoughts of self harm.
My favorite mental health tips:
I was never a kid who exercised. In my mid-20’s, I found the joy of exercise. I used the time at the gym to reserve 30 minutes towards doing something solely for me.
I find that watching a silly show or reading an easy book is great, too. Have a guilty pleasure!
To all the women who have kids and spouses/partners out there, make sure you find a few minutes per day for yourself - quiet time where no one needs anything from you. During that time, you can read, meditate, exercise, or just sit quietly.
We all need to slow down and recharge. Don’t be afraid to make it known that you need a moment. State openly and don’t hide away to get it.
In Every Story, There’s Strength.
That’s such a great statement and theme for this year. Everyone has their own unique journey through life and sometimes you may never know what got someone to the point in time when you meet or interact with them. To that I say, be mindful when someone is perhaps reluctant to discuss a certain topic that may seem easy to discuss for you; you never know when something as simple as, “I bought a bouquet of flowers today,” may trigger a memory that someone carries: buying flowers might remind them of a lost loved one or another event that leads to a triggering thought.
For support, call NAMI’s HelpLine at 800-950-6264 or text 'NAMI' to 62640. In a crisis, call or text 988.