Sunday Message: May is Mental Health Month

Happy May. A new month is amongst us and so are our goals. For the start of May think about what you want to make happen. Are you getting ready for travel this Summer? What about your plans for movement as the weather stabilizes and get warm for longer period of time? Think about all of that and remember it’s also Mental Health Month too.

Mental Health Month

Mental health is health. Everyone should be doing daily check ins. It’s refreshing to see people speak openly about their struggles with mental health in the last few years. I love seeing people take breaks. With taking a break-it’s not something you announce for attention. Step away. Prioritize it for you. When you make announcements at times and you’re not a brand often times I’ve seen it be used as a way to get people to lean into them. Meaning they aren’t sure if they want a break but they need someone to talk to. If that gets you what want then kudos. However we have to find ways of helping ourselves. For instance when was the last time you went to therapy?

Therapy and Questions to Ask

Everyone says go to therapy as if you will be able to call, get an appointment, and start your journey. It works that way if you do it with an online provider such as Better Help. However traditional therapy even if it’s done via Zoom or tele health takes time. You have to establish care first. If you have a job start with your employee benefits. Often times you are allotted a certain amount of free sessions. If you do that and like your therapist often times they will make sure that your insurance can cover and you can continue. If you don’t have insurance see if you qualify for state insurance. Some providers have a sliding scale for those who are paying out of pocket too. Here are some resources to get you started on questions to ask.

Also for those who struggle with therapy and faith-I understand. Being taught to pray the demons away surely isn’t the only solution to mental health. We need help here on Earth. There are even faith based therapist too. At the end of the day faith without works is dead. Your works can come in the form of prayer, healthy lifestyle, self care and therapy too.

Self Care

People say that too many are online romanticizing self care. It comes off as if its unattainable. Self care goes beyond bubble baths and nail appointments. It’s the ability to see a need and fulfill it in a healthy manner. So sometimes it is about loving taking care of you. If you are in the part of your self care journey where you feel as if you are hanging on by a string, you will see others in a negative light. Your light needs to be adjusted. I understand. However self care can be enjoyable. There are times it can be a means of balancing the middle of feeling like life is falling apart.

Healthy Lifestyle

Sometimes we simply neglect us and that starts a whole issue for our mental health. Seeing yourself and not feeling your best because of weight is real. Often times depression causes us to engage in unhealthy lifestyles. For instance if you are in depression and don’t have a healthy mindset on food you will overindulge. Becoming healthier is a great way yo help with your mental wellness.

Take charge of your health

If you are what you eat, let’s take charge on being intentional on your health needs too. FYI healthy lifestyle isn’t food alone. It’s in how you take care of all aspects of your life. Who you are around matters too. What you consume in music, social media and more are included. Trust me by the time you pay attention to what you are eating, drink your water, work out, get therapy, treat your family right, spend time alone, and more your day is done.

So maybe for the past few months you haven’t been intention on your mental health. Now you feel like the lack thereof is taking over all of the areas of your life. Don’t feel guilty. Remind yourself that you are human. Arrange your life that you take the necessary steps to get back on track. Reminder that’s called a reset. You don’t have to wait to do a reset. You could simply for example eat something you didn’t at lunch and reset for your afternoon snack. Stop delaying your reset.

Happy May. I know you will take your mental health seriously. I am going to cover new topics with mental health this month. For instance how do you start a new journey when others around you don’t believe in it. Trust me I have a lot of experience in it. It wasn’t until the pandemic when those same people looked at me crazy who engage in healthier practices now.