Usually when we think about October, pumpkins, campfires and leaves changing colors come to mind. What many don’t know is that Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day, and the purpose is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
I, like some others, tossed this up to yet another “National Day of …” since let’s face it, it seems like every day is the celebration of something anymore.
As I paused for a second after dismissing yet another “day of,” I thought of how this day didn’t even exist when I was younger. Mental health was rarely in the news and the term wasn’t even heard of.
As I grew older, mental health started to creep into mainstream media; however, it was for issues like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or that fact someone committed heinous crimes. “Mental health” nowadays encompasses so many things and as a result, I feel like it’s hard to understand what it is or embrace it as an important part of our lives.
Learning how our own mental health is just as important as our physical health, let’s use Oct. 10 as a day to examine our own mental states without stigma or judgment. A day to do a self-check on ourselves to see if it’s time to re-adjust our own lives and then to have the courage to do so if needed.
- Am I tired more than I used to be? While a day here or there is not uncommon, it is not the norm, especially for mothers, to be tired all the time. Yes, you’re often told that by fellow parents and doctors, but you shouldn’t be exhausted all the time.
- Do you have at least one hour a day for yourself? It may be broken into smaller chunks, but you need time to yourself daily. Whether it’s a hot bath, reading a book or watching TV, you must have time alone to do what brings you joy or peace. And it’s not selfish!
- If you have a spouse/partner, are you connecting with each other daily? The busyness of the world often forces us to ignore or postpone time with those we care about. Whether it’s after the kids are to bed, in the morning before everyone is up or a weekly date night, are you having conversations with those you love daily?
- Are you generally in a good mood most of the day or are you dreading waking up, already looking forward to the weekend on Monday or wishing the day was already over before lunchtime?
- Are you enjoying your life period?
If you’re struggling in any way and wishing you could answer differently to the posed questions, talk to someone! It could be a friend, spouse or someone who has previously gone through what you’re dealing with right now. Be open with your feelings – free of worry of being judged and ask for help with strategies to get better and be happier. You deserve to be happy! Life is to be enjoyed and lived.
