“The strongest people are those that win battles we know nothing about.” – Jonathan Harnisch
I am sure you have seen all of the efforts around mental health this month in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.
The good news is this topic has become mainstream and is more recognized than ever. The difficult part is many people still suffer in silence. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year. 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.”
And, it’s especially prevalent in teens and young adults. There is so much pressure, especially with social media, to be the best, to look the best, to be the most successful. It causes an inflated level of anxiety. Throw 2 years of a pandemic into it that triggered loneliness, doubt and isolation, and now you have an epidemic. Adults are not far behind. There is so much pressure to be successful, keep up with the trends and to just be happy.
Sometimes, it’s hard keeping positive with life challenges. We all struggle with it. I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that you only have to please yourself. When you know you are doing the right thing, with good intentions, it will keep you focused and present. In saying that, it’s also necessary to take breaks, to allow yourself to walk away and to do things you genuinely enjoy.
My peace comes when I doing things I love. I get a sense of joy and calmness that keeps me motivated to return to my daily commitments. It’s a continual journey, but I am learning more and more ways to keep grounded, especially when things get more challenging.
I wish the same for you – to find your peace and to be able to center yourself when things get a little chaotic. Walk away, breathe, and evaluate your environment. Sometimes a little perspective is all you need.
I do encourage those who do feel lost to seek help. It is the most positive step you can take toward your own mental health. There are many resources available, and if you ever need guidance, please reach out.
