Mental Health - Let’s Talk About It

Mental health is something that we should all be more open about. It's an important topic that deserves more attention. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness in a given year. That's a lot of people!

We are all human and we all have brains and emotions. So, it only follows that most of us will experience some struggles with mental health along the path of life.

With more than 50 years of experience living earthside, I would like to offer my perspective and personal story regarding mental health. The road to mental wellness is full of downs and ups. But most of all, this journey is about aspiring to maintain a sense of balance in our lives.

As a young woman, PMS symptoms would lead me into periods of darkness. This would often mark a time of weepy introspection and isolating myself. At times, I saw the world as a dark and harmful place, so keeping away from it was how I protected myself. When I was 25, my son was born. Although becoming a mother was an experience unlike any other, those all too familiar destructive thoughts that I had struggled with in the past grew louder, and negativity became an unwanted theme in my life.

While this time marked a very difficult period of my life, when I look back on it, I do not feel ashamed or regretful. This is because the struggles that I faced with my mental and physical health at that time ultimately opened the door for me to discover my life’s true purpose – to heal. Through my hardships, I have developed incredible strength and a sense of resilience. I now welcome any adversity and greet it as an opportunity. Through this mindset, I am able to use my energy as a force for positive change, not just in my own life but also in the lives of others. Don’t get me wrong, things are not always easy. In fact, each day brings with it a new set of challenges. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware and mindful of the triggers that can cause me to be “out of sorts”! If I don’t mitigate these triggers with proper nutrition, meditation, and space to slow down and relax, I can sink quite quickly, just like anyone else.

When I have pushed my body and mind to their limits, the sensations I experience on an energetic level can even be debilitating. There are times when I suffer from panic attacks, chest pains, and an inability to think or even be motivated to nourish myself. However, I have endured and overcome all of these. I do this by what I can only describe as reaching out to something deep and profound within me. An inner knowing that is always there to uplift me and carry me through whatever feelings I am experiencing at that time and helping me transform them into positivity.

It is important to remember that we all have an innate need and ability to care for ourselves. Here are four of the most essential self-care techniques that I have identified in my personal journey through life up to this point.

4 Steps to Mindful Self-Care:

1. It is important to take things one step at a time. Don’t rush through things and try to see the positivity in each moment. Each step towards wellness will take time. Be patient with yourself and your process of healing.

2. Reach out to your support systems and communicate openly. This step is not easy for many people, but it can help you to stay connected to the people you care for. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.

3. Never give up on yourself. When things get rough, remind yourself that you deserve to live a happy and fulfilling life. Feed your soul by listening to music or reading a book. Reintroduce yourself to the beauty of nature by exploring the outdoors. Nourish your body with healthy and delicious organic foods.

4. Spend more time in meditation. This can help you remind yourself that your thoughts and feelings don’t define you. They are just passing through. If you need a soothing guided meditation to follow, here is a link to one of my own. You can listen to this as often as you need to until you begin to feel better.

If you have any questions about my transformational natural health journeys, please feel free to contact me here!