Mental Health and You

Mental health is a topic I have never discussed with any one.  However, I do take note when it's brought up by others, in the news, overhearing something from family or friends.

I think it's something that makes people uncomfortable, myself included.  What is it that makes us uncomfortable?  Perhaps it's not knowing what it actually is?

Dictionary.com definition 

mental health

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noun

psychological well-being and satisfactory adjustment to society and to the ordinary demands of life.

the field of medicine concerned with the maintenance or achievement of such well-being and adjustment.

Merriam Webster definition

Definition of mental health

1 : the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, positive feelings about others, and the ability to meet the demands of daily life also : the general condition of one's mental and emotional state

2 : health care dealing with the promotion and improvement of mental health and the treatment of mental illness —often used before another noun

I understand physical health a bit more.  We probably all feel more comfortable talking about physical fitness and related topics like getting fit, diet, machines at a gym, etc.

Both definitions on mental health, above, mention the "demands of ordinary life".  Ordinary life...hmmm.  Let's think about that for a minute.  

There are many, many pressures and demands in each of our lives.  Think about how you fit into everything and all you do for others.  Make a list.  Look at it later.  Did you miss anything?  Now make time to just breathe deeply for at least 10 seconds.  Tomorrow make it 30 seconds, the next day 60 seconds.  I'm not expert, but I do know allowing myself to get all stressed out is no good for anyone around me.  I challenge you to make lists every day until you feel ready and willing to meet the day's tasks.  Start with 5 minutes in the morning and before you go to bed.  Increase those minutes to 30 over a week or two week's time.  Assess how you feel doing this.  Add it to your daily routine.  Notice how others react to your "me-time".  Adjust as needed; and keep talking to those you feel truly listen to you.  

If you are just feeling like there is no help, no cure, no winning, please get some professional help.  Call a hotline.  Go visit your doctor and share what's going on with you.  You're taking care of yourself.  This is a good thing.

The following Pinterest pins are ones I appreciate and chose to share with you, my readers.  I hope it will spark good, thoughtful questions and guide you to answers.  I think many of us have our own mental health that needs to be given the care and tenderness we all deserve.  

Whatever you are going through at this moment, at any given moment, deserves our full attention.  The part we play in the lives of others, our loved ones, family and friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and fellow human beings is important enough for us to always make time for being mindful, living each moment and self-care.  Our #mentalhealthmatters; yours, mine, theirs.

One last thing, during the holidays it's quite easy to feel harried and harassed especially with our cultural and traditional demands.  Asking for help is a good thing.  I know personally that it's darn stressful to do something all by myself because I just prefer it this way.  I've learned to put aside my pride and ask for help and boy has it been much easier to make grand plans and pull them off with just a little help!  

As the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend arrive, I wish you all good health, happiness, and many blessings.  

Y O U matter!