Mental health... let's talk about it. Even if you do not want to...let's talk about it. Taking care of your mental health does not always mean you have a mental illness. I can guarantee if you don't think you suffer from any anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, then someone you love does. Someone you see at work every day and just ignore might just need a hug, a hand, or someone to care. Mental health affects everyone! As a topic dear to my heart, I would like to take a moment to remind you...you matter.
From as young as I can remember depression kept its hold on my household. My father spent many of his weekends tucked away in his bedroom. He never wanted to go out to dinner or socialize with friends. He spent it reading, alone. I did not really understand until I got older and he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was never happy, never content with his life. Married to my Mom, being very successful at work, and having three healthy children was still not enough. His moods would swing from loving to mean in a flash. It was a roller coaster for a child and then my own anxiety kicked in. I had a hard time with math in elementary school. So much that I just didn't want to go and embarrass myself one more day. I would wake up with horrible stomach pains and nausea. School was not my friend, home was depressing..i found my happiness in animals. They were and always will be my friends. Sometimes all we need is one friend to keep us going and if that is what it takes then so be it. Animals are consistent and in my personal experience in my 51 years, consistent moods and people are hard to find.
Both of my cousins have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. They suffer from severe forms of mental illness. One is in prison for life and one has been in and out of hospitals but she refuses to take medication. I know this is a very dramatic case that needs medical intervention, but the message is the same. We all have watched as severely mentally ill people hurt people every day. There must be reform in the government to intervene in these medical emergencies. They don't have a plan and we need one now!!!
Personally, I have had my fair share of trauma in my life. Emotional, physical, and mental abuse...probably not much different than a lot of you. You don't understand scared until your life is truly in danger. PTSD IS REAL and hard to manage. I am not sharing this to scare anyone, I share it so you know you are NOT ALONE. I find that talking about it is therapeutic. I find my time in the kitchen creating delicious food helps. I have had to take medication in the past to help get my mind get straight and that is OK!! Take the time to take care of yourself. It is the kindest thing you can do for yourself and most importantly your loved ones. Here is an article about how to step back, reset, and take a mental break. Make it a priority!
https://www.yourtango.com/self/how-escape-reality-take-mental-break
Here is something that has helped me! I find that talking to people that I actually don't have a personal relationship with can help. I started a private group on Facebook called "50ish Something". This group is for 40,50,60 somethings that are interested in meeting like-minded people that are going through this transition in life. Dealing with empty nest syndrome, sick parents and caregiving, mental health awareness, and your body changing. Humor and fun help get us through tough times and I hope to make people smile and laugh in between the tears and hormonal ups and downs. If you would like to join us please just accept the terms of the group. Share, cry, laugh, learn..that is my goal.
Please join us if you would like to!!
Here at Jeni's Southern Homemade, I will be adding a mental health awareness sticker to each box of cookies. This vinyl sticker can be used on your water bottles, computer, phone case, etc ...just a small reminder to be kind to yourself and others. You honestly never know what someone else has been through and be kind always. I will be adding some links to our website if you need help or want some free advice. Please reach out to the professionals if you need it. I have done it and I am here because of it. BTW...cookies can make you feel better too...just sayin..
Much love, Jeni