World Mental Health Day 2020
First of all, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU ✨
You are a perfectly imperfect human being. Yes, you have flaws, so do I. We all do. Welcome to the human race. Where we all pretend we have our shit together when in reality we are all trying to just get by.
Today is #worldmentalhealthday2020 and needless to say 2020 has most likely effected each and every one of us in one way or another (hopefully resulting in some empathy and understanding of those who suffer with anxiety, depression and other mental disorders even when the world isn’t falling apart).
Today is a day about raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
Mental health awareness and de-stigmatization of mental illnesses are two topics I am very passionate about. Having struggled with anxiety, PTSD, depression, codependency, narcissistic abuse, disordered eating and a list that can go on... days like these 1) are important AF and 2) should more be everyday - but hey we gotta start somewhere right?
I absolutely don’t have all the answers but after years of therapy and my on again off again relationship with my SSRI’s I have quite the handy toolbox of mental health tools 🛠 that help me not only survive but thrive ✨
My advice to you all:
✨Meditate
My mom started meditating when she divorced my dad in 2009. She always encouraged me to try it out, but i had better things to do than “quiet my mind” at 19. (or so I thought). It wasn’t until I went through some pretty hardcore stuff of my own that I began to entertain just about anything that would pull me out of the hole I was living in. It has been a LIFESAVER. From guided meditations to breathing exercises, I have been able to get through some pretty heavy stuff without completely loosing it. I use Insight Timer for my daily meditation and absolutely LOVE IT. It is easy to use, free and you can see how many people worldwide are using it! There is sleep music (I use every night) and bells to use if you like to guide yourself through your practice.
✨ Check in with yourself
Checking in with yourself and assessing your needs helps you to pour into yourself so that you can pour into others. Oftentimes, we check on those around us but neglect ourselves. It's beneficial because it can improve your mood, your energy, your relationships with others, and your productivity, says says Jordan Madison, LCMFT, creator of Therapy Is My JAM.
Here is a list of questions to ask yourself to help guide introspective reflections.
✨Find a gratitude practice
I use the “Five Minute Journal” every morning and night and it has become essential in my daily routine to begin and end each day with intention and mindfulness!
Click here to find it on Amazon
✨Journal
I have been writing out all my feels since I could learn to write. As a little kid I would write all the time and It was the one place I felt like I could let it out, explore my imagination and also just be seen. I write all the time, but I try not to force it. It never works that way. Sometimes in the morning, or if I have a lot on my mind, I will do what is called a “brain dump” and literally just stream of conscious that ish out and write whatever comes to mind.
✨Try out therapy
Therapy changed my life. SO much that I am now in school to become one myself. If it wasn’t for therapy, I would still be in an unhealthy relationship completely unaware of my mental wellbeing - and inner power. Find a therapist that works with your insurance today! (there are also some that work on a “sliding scale” meaning their rates are flexible to income.
✨Share your experiences with others (only if you feel comfortable doing so)
When we share our experiences and feelings, we not only humanize and normalize them, but show each other that we are not alone in our struggles. I truly believe in the power of vulnerability which is why I LOVE my small group events! I can’t wait to bring those back and have us all come together again one day!
✨Do your research
Every time I go to therapy, or learned a new word, symptom, perspective, I do my research after. I don’t just take what I learn at face value, I dive deep and try to apply what I learn to my life or current situation.
✨Join a 12 step program (I’m in CoDA)
Co-Dependents Anonymous is a program of recovery from codependence, where each of us may share our experience, strength, and hope in our efforts to find freedom where there has been bondage and peace where there has been turmoil in our relationships with others and ourselves.
No matter how traumatic your past or despairing your present may seem, there is hope for a new day in the program of Co-Dependents Anonymous.
Click here to learn more about CoDA
✨Listen to podcasts
Here’s a list of podcasts I really enjoy and that focus on mental health topics.
TIny Leaps
Selfie
Pretty Okay
Unlocking Us
Super Soul Conversations
Mentally Yours
Terrible, Thanks For Asking
Holding Space
The Happiness Lab
✨Workout
You can find me at VERVE Studios or attempting at home yoga until hot yoga studios open again. I wasn’t always big on working out, sure I liked it, but I didn’t appreciate it for all it does for me. I came to understand and love the endorphin rush that comes from a workout, as well as a general feel good feeling and a sense of accomplishment and getting stronger- made my just, happy.
“Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a real difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve your energy and outlook, and get more out of life…” Read more…
✨Dance it out
Don’t knock it till you try it. Dancing around to one of your favorite songs is MAGIC. I promise.
Don’t believe me? Read this to form your own opinion.
✨Give yourself some grace
When you feel like your day is unraveling or you've been hard on yourself for whatever reason, “giving yourself grace” is about giving yourself that kindness you often deserve.
I know it is easier said that done, but please try and be easy on yourself. It is not easy to love on yourself, or even be nice, when someone (mental monsters) are being mean to you!
✨Remember that you’re a human (and you’re more certainly not alone)
Need I say more? :)
Here if you need me, always ☀️💕
-Chris