Mental Health is Wealth
Since 1949, the Mental Health America organization has been observing Mental Health Awareness Month in May as a way to destigmatize the conversation surrounding mental illness. When most people think of mental illness they do not consider the full scope of issues that surface from being born with and/or developing an unhealthy mental state. It is time that we all leave judgement behind and start engaging in open and honest dialogue about the importance of mental stability.
As someone who struggled, and still struggles with depression, I was often misunderstood by peers and family alike who would be completely dismissive towards me when I did try to discuss the things that were plaguing my mind. I still find it incredibly difficult to talk about because of the way people have marginalized those that experience this type of emotional turmoil. I learned very quickly that half of my battle was having to pretend like nothing was wrong. One of the key problems with the judgments that surround mental illness is the belief that feelings like depression are self imposed, or that people that suffer from personality disorders are simply born with a chemical imbalance, but it is not the case. Of course there are scientific ways to explain some of the reasons why people with illnesses such as schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder act the ways they do, but our environments play extremely pivotal roles in not just our thought processes, but in turn our emotional responses.
We are long past the days of misdiagnosing illnesses and committing people to institutions for being social purveyors, but the biggest issue our society has is that a lot of people seem to think they are exempt from the conversation. Good mental health applies to everyone. Taking care of your mind is just as, if not more, important as taking care of your body. Our brain is a muscle and the epicenter of activity in our bodies, so tending to your thoughts is similar to working out or staying fit. Emotional intelligence is a concept that is becoming more widespread and it is to me, an integral part of becoming wiser. True intellectuals have the ability to process their thoughts and feelings pragmatically, as well as developing a high level of empathy to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. Now more than ever we have to become cognizant of the ways our thoughts shape our worlds and have a direct affect on the quality of our lives.
Once you realize the importance of not only addressing mental health but upholding it as a key value I believe the world opens up in the most beautiful way and it changes the way you interact with others or vice versa. When you train your mind to filter through thoughts and understand that it’s ok to feel what are deemed as bad feelings. No one is happy all the time it’s absolutely unrealistic, but learning healthy ways to process your emotions will change the way you react. So what are some ways to implement good mental health into your everyday life?
My number one suggestion is meditation. It can be done in so many different ways some people call it prayer others understand it as a practice of discipline, but to me it is all of those things in one. When you meditate you are cleansing your mind filtering out the negative thoughts and feelings and allowing yourself to begin attracting positive energy. Taking at least 5 minutes out of your day to focus on being and breathing can make all the difference in your decision making.
Whatever you put in, is what comes out. This years theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is a roll over from last year 4Mind4Body, which basically emphasizes the connection between physical and mental fitness. What you eat has a larger effect on your mind than it does the body sometimes. Be mindful that foods contain chemicals that can literally alter your mood. Feed your mind first and the body will naturally follow.
My final suggestion would be to create a routine. Start making health a habit and these things will all become second nature. Repetition has proven to be the most effective when you enjoy what you are doing. Find what sparks joy for you both tangibly and intangibly then find ways to incorporate that into your daily routine. For example, I read every night before I go to bed and meditate every morning when I wake up.
Regardless of what methodologies you decide to use it is undeniable that mental health should be at the forefront of your priority list. Commit to loving yourself and those around you will have no choice but to follow. World peace is not as far off as some of us think. And if you know someone struggling to maintain their sanity, or fighting against emotional demons reach out to them even if they turn you away knowing that someone cares, or that you aren’t alone can save anyone’s life.
