LUCKY, LUCKY
"How lucky we are to live this life
How lucky we are to pay the price
To burn
To dance
To fly
To dream
How lucky we are to not know what it means..."
I wrote the poem above to signify my gratitude and optimism towards this precious, volatile, uncontrollable life we have been given. Us humans live through challenges that make us more well-rounded people. I believe all experiences are valuable, including mental health changes.
I hope everyone shares a bit of positivity today – especially those of you who know someone who is living with mental health experiences (note the use of word 'experiences'...to be explained soon). A bit of TLC and a check-in can go a long way, and help people out of the black mental hole that can often feel inescapable...and I know!
Bottom line: we need to raise awareness of mental health issues, we need to shift the vernacular into the positive realm and allow it to become normalised (as opposed it a taboo subject), AND we need to talk about it! Be more open, be more comfortable discussing it and comfortable being around and IN this phenomenon. Mental health is a growing subject due to the modernising state of the world. So why are we so perturbed by it or hush hush about things that happen to it?
I remember when I was experiencing some changes/imbalances or a 'mental re-colouring' let's say, in my late teens/early twenties; I saw it as a weakness, I loaded it with negative connotations and demoted myself as a person because of it. People I knew or came across at the time pulled their nose up at it, didn't want to address it that much, or simply didn't know how to handle it. This is obviously very tough territory within personal relations, because those experiencing the changes view it and themselves in a certain light that isn't always identifiable to those around them. Those around them often have no idea how to approach others, neither do they want to arouse uncomfortable or worsening reactions.
Overall:
- Talk about mental health more regularly – consider your language and how you speak about it. 'Problems,' 'weakness,' 'embarrassment,' 'illness,' commonly used, all seem to paint a negative picture.
- EVERYONE should embrace mindfulness and meditation to maintain mental hygiene, no matter who you are (I LOVE the apps Headspace or Calm). They can definitely help in our busy lives! Mindfulness is just watching and viewing how you think and what you do closely, so you become more in touch with yourself. It's SO enlightening (although can be scary to open up the 'book of you'. THIS IS OK and normal :) )
- Approach people who may be dealing with mental health changes with care, tact, sensitivity and without judgement. Assumption, ignorance of others and preconceptions can do damage. BE CAREFUL, you have power!
- Accept it. Say it everyday in the mirror if you have to. It is now part of life just like the flu, traffic accidents, cancer and paying taxes. Pain is felt by all and no one has the right to decide whose is worse or more 'normal'...whatever normal is(?!) I don't believe anyone has perfect mental health. It's not in human nature! Mental health issues don't define us as people, but are part of who we are. It makes us unique. Try and not let it cage you, but ride the waves of life with it (like a little waterproof satchel)!
Be kind (humble and optimistic) always.
