I have been writing for a few years now. About feelings I face and how I go about getting through the day. I have talked about depression and anxiety. There is so much to mental health that not many people fully understand. And since this is May, the United States National Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to help you see mental health in a different light. To learn more about mental health and how we can each other live happier lives.
No Age Gap
Mental health affects all ages. Children as young as 8 and 9 years of age experience depression and anxiety. Adults, teenagers, and older generations all fight mental health issues. Many people need to understand that it doesn’t matter how old you are to be faced with a traumatic experience. In today’s world, children are faced with bullies, violence, and in too many occasions, death. Our parents and grandparents are faced with worry and neglect. There is no singular time-period in our lives that mental health is not important.
Gender and Race
As you can suspect, mental health does not discriminate against gender or race. One can debate that women suffer more than men or vice versa. But that doesn’t matter. Women, men, LGBTQ+, or whatever you classify yourself as, mental health is a part of your life. Every person on this planet has mental health and needs to take care of it.
Effects
I have talked about how mental health and physical health are integrated. Ever hear of the placebo effect. The mind is very powerful. The ability to control our movements and our inner most ambitions. Having courage to try new things, push past fears, and move forward when thoughts hold you back. But your body cannot function to its fullest without the strength of your mind. How many times have you been about to think yourself out of going to exercise or even just doing something that gets you up and moving? I lost track of how many times I have spent my weekends lying around and doing nothing just because I thought it was too much effort. The mind effects our physical more than many realize.
Environment
Did you know that your environment has a large impact on your mental health as well? If you are a person that loves the country-side, then how would you feel living or even spending one day in a busy city? Your environment can also be your home, your work, your friends. It is the greater area of your life that surrounds you. Spending time in a space that offers you positivity, caring, and warmth will promote optimistic mental health. Life for me today, I had the best opportunity for my job to travel. It just so happened that the route I was given went through some mountains that I have not driven through before. The scenery was majestic and peaceful….to me. That is my environment. My peace that allows the stress to fade away. What is your environment?
More to it
Mental health is complex. Just about every aspect of our lives can impact our mental health. It is a constant balancing act to find a moment of peace. But by understanding this and taking some time to focus on various angles of our mental health, we can begin to find our peace. Don’t give up. Look at everything in your life and areas that are not there. Maybe adding some spiritualism or focusing on physical movement will help. Understanding that you are not alone is key.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
