May is Mental Health Month. I’m pretty sure it is also a month of “awareness” for a number of other issues. But my guess is that you haven’t heard about Mental Health Month, because there is always some post about depression floating around, and besides being made “aware” (seriously, what the heck does that word even mean?) what are you supposed to do about mental health?
The TWLOHA blog shared a great article about how we can use this month, and about the people who are fighting this pain not just this month, but every day of their lives.
I know this topic can quickly become sad and hard to talk about, especially if you haven’t had any experience with it.
It’s touched my heart deeply to hear the experiences people have had reading A Letter to Last Year.
“It changed me.”
“I feel so much empathy now for the people who live like this.”
For the people who don’t know why mental health is such an important conversation, this month is about listening and trying to understand.
For those of us who know all too well why mental health is such an important conversation, this month is about sharing our story, and about healing. I hope healing is always near the top of our priority list.
Part of healing is taking ownership of our struggles. We can not let the darkness rule our lives. And yes, I know that’s easier said than done, but one thing we can try is to make room for laughter.
If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my post earlier this week about C.S. Lewis. A wise man indeed, he advocated for laughter, specifically being able to laugh at the downfalls of our own flesh. If we can’t laugh at our own frailties and imperfections, we will make the mistake of treating the temporary as far too serious.
Laughter gives you power.
So today I’m not going to write a dramatic and thought provoking post for you. I just hope you’ll laugh, and spread the healing.
Mental Health According to the Internet
(Buzzfeed isn’t the only one who can find funny gifs. )
Waking up with Anxiety AND Depression
Sometimes People Think You’re a Little Dramatic
And Sometimes You Are a Little Dramatic
Most of the Time You Put on a Good Face
Nothing Can Phase You
You Just Go About Your Days
Eating
Working
Spending Time With People
And Getting Invited to Parties
Trying to Do What Your Therapist Prescribed
And Ultimately Still Having a Panic Attack
Worrying About Things That Don’t Matter
Trying to Wrangle In Your Thoughts
And Getting Exhausted
It’s Not Easy
But Some Days Are Better Than Others
Just Remember You’re Not Alone
And Maybe Eat a Cookie
A few options for you avid Pinners out there:
That was so perfect. You nailed it! Best thing I’ve read all day.
This was a fun one to write:)