Mental Health Matters

I’m writing this on World Mental Health Day.

And even though I know that by the time it is published, that will be over a week behind us, eons in this digital world, I still want to share my thoughts.

“Mental health” has become a buzzword in recent years. And while it is definitely a good thing that it is more at the forefront of conversations, of considerations, and of peoples’ awareness, I think we still have a long way to go.

Despite the increased comfort with which many people speak about mental health, there is still a very big, pronounced, and debilitating stigma associated with mental illness. We are fine talking about it in the abstract, but much less comfortable speaking in specifics. We still shy away from speaking to the true challenges and struggles that so many of us face in the dark, quiet, scary corners of our own minds.

We cannot forget that “healthy,” in both the spaces of physical and mental health, means different things to differnt people.

We also cannot forget that physical health and mental health are inextricably linked. Despite how culture, society, and, even worse, health insurance policies, categorize the two, they are inseparable, and have significant repercussions and consequences on one another.

And let’s be clear. When we speak about mental health, we are not all speaking the same language. As with physical health, mental health and its entire spectrum of possibilities, looks different for everyone. One person’s struggles might be something that another person views as normal. Health, comfort, distress-tolerance, capacity… each of these things are highly individual. But that does not mean that any single person’s struggle is any greater or less than anyone else’s. It is a very nuanced conversation with very individual implications and ramifications.

But just because it looks and feels different for everyone, it is still vital that we keep the lines of communication open. That we listen to one another. That we believe one another. That we do our best to set aside our biases and preconceived notions when others share their lived experiences. That we allow each other - and ourselves - the space needed to grow, learn, heal, and be.

So, all of that being said, let me leave you with a few reminders.

It matters.

Because YOU matter.

It’s important.

Because it’s important to YOU.

And because YOU are important.

I see you.

I hear you.

I may not always know what to say or have the right answer, but I promise that I want the best for you.

You are worthy. You always have been. You always will be, exactly as you are in each moment in time.

And above all else, please remember that you are not alone.

Take care of your heart. Take care of your mind. Take care of your soul. Take care of your health.