yet another mental health day!

You must have read "World mental health day"

This year's theme: Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority.

Just a day to create awareness? 

Ummm, Let's see.

We wish, seek, and desire many. what do we get and how much do we get?

In this quick, continuously evolving, virtual world, we go through a lot of emotions in a second. We are always running toward or away from something. 

We are aware our life is unique and different and all of us have different purposes, yet we still sometimes want to be like her, him, the entity or the concept that entices us. Are we? Is there something overpowering our awareness?

 

What does Being healthy and happy mean? Should I have free time in hand? Can a person who never gets out of their home, be happy? If a person decides to be quiet, is that person mentally sick? If you're busy throughout the year(the whole year) that mean you're stressed? You're calling off the meetings and wish to be alone, should I be worried? There are still millions many questions as such, aren't they?

I'm not an expert or well-read one on mental health diagnosis and hence I highly recommend checking the sources before assuming that everything is fine.

 

What!! Where is the time to take care of this extra mental health?!!

In a day, We plan a hundred things and accomplish maybe one at the end of the day. It is always messy at the start of the day, clearing things is what takes up the day, and finally to have a clearer mind before bed. Only to have all this repeated, every day.

Taking care of our health includes both physical and mental well-being. We are so quick in identifying and assisting someone who has a little trouble physically, maybe like a cold, fever, etc., but what if someone says " hey, I think I'm feeling anxious lately, as something might go wrong or I might do something wrong" how many of us can say "oh is it? wait", and keep our things aside and help that person?

In me, Awareness is not just saying, either speak up to the seekers or just support them promptly. 

If you notice 2 things happen hand in hand around mental health, 

1. We ask those who are troubled with mental health issues to come forward and speak out to the close ones and reach out for help. 

2. we hear from the experts, to not shrug off, or startle, but to support, and help the person when reached out. Sometimes, genuine gestures or little things like,  "I understand you and I'm here for you" does wonder.

I'm not an expert in any, but still, I can say to be at either of the ends take a lot of strength, mindfulness, patience, and kindness. 

It's not easy to say, "I need help".

Even though the person you're seeking help from is very trustworthy, loving and the dearest one, there's a constant fear they're judging or the worst you're a burden to them.

It's not the ego, low self-esteem, or something, the mind makes it very difficult.

 It's not that they're not trying enough, or they don't care, or just happen to let it grow in their head, it's the other way around. they're fighting the biggest battle alongside the daily hustle, and they might look perfectly okay from the outside, (mourners always say "the person was fine and was normal"). 

And hence if you see someone saying lately, I have been feeling this, please do not take it lightly. 

Not everything leads to the worst but at the same time, not everything is to be taken lightly. Regret is the heaviest burden that life offers for us to carry

And, to those who are a little troubled by their thoughts, maybe you feel, my mind says negative things and I'm not, or it always says things that never might happen, and I feel tired, etc., 

Any slightest thing which makes you feel even a little unusual, keep a tab, stay mindful, and see if you can recover from it on your own, when things are out of your control please do speak up, and reach out to anyone and everyone. 

In the long run, mental health impacts your overall well-being (physical, emotional, and social). 

Don't think, it's nothing or maybe others have it worst, what will people think of me, what will people at my work think of me, so many what-ifs. if you can't fight off and need support,  you need to speak up

there are several helplines available that maintain confidentiality and genuinely try their best to assist. Not everyone is open to sharing with the world and that's not mandatory either

No one thinks you are overreacting and even if they at times getting better is the priority. If you ask me none of it matters, what people say doesn't matter, if you're here on this earth, then count your blessings and consider yourself a special one.

Getting over moments that bring bitterness is not easy and it isn't going to be a quick one. be patient and strong and you are at your best at any point in time.

Taking care of our loved ones, colleague, friends and dear ones is again part of our duty, let us all be extra kind and patient while we do it. Sending lots of love to those who does it silently and invisibly.

Finally, Together, let's bring days where walking into to mental health clinic is just as normal as walking into a cafe! It's going to be difficult but not impossible.