May brings us many wonderful and beautiful things: longer daylight hours, Memorial Day barbecues, Mother’s Day celebrations, soft breezes coming through open windows. It also brings us Mental Health Awareness Month.
As members of the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans community, you know we are all about health and fitness. But there’s a third leg to that wellness tripod that doesn’t get brought up that often: mental wellness.
According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in four adults experiences mental health problems in any given year. One in 17 adults lives with mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Chances are you know someone with a mental illness. It’s your neighbor, your fellow parishioner at church, your team project leader at work. Anyone of them can be struggling and anyone of them could benefit from your help. There are ways you can help support a loved one with a mental health issue. It takes courage and a big heart and patience and understanding, all traits that I know our Sisterhood community members have in abundance.
About eight years ago, I was the one who needed help. I thank God that I was able to see that and consequently, get the help I needed. Due to some life circumstances, I slipped into a pretty sizable depression. My doctor diagnosed it as “episodic depression” because it was related to a particular trial I was (unsuccessfully) enduring at the time. I know the struggle of putting one foot in front of the other, of putting that cheerful face for everyone around you, of crying in the shower where you are guaranteed privacy. Oh sure, I was able to “show up” for what I had to do in life - work, family commitments - but the reality was it was a ghost of me in that seat at the dinner table or conference room. It is exhausting my friends, let me tell you.
I made an appointment with a therapist. I also sought the guidance of a beloved priest. Both helped over the course of a year or so. And yes, there was also medication, which also helped. I’m not ashamed of that, even though at the time, only two people in my whole universe knew of this. My husband and my life-long best friend. While my treatment has long since ended, they both know I have my rough days. And we talk about it. And I also remind myself on a regular basis I have come a long way and I am stronger than I give myself credit for.
Like I said, we don’t talk about this much, here at the Sisterhood or out in the world as a whole. There is a stigma attached to mental illness that causes hesitation in the conversation. It shouldn’t be that way. The stigma needs to go.
This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, will you join me in being a voice that doesn’t hush the conversation?
You are strong and loved, Mary! I’m so glad you got the help you needed! MWAH!!
Agree 100%. Did the same years ago. Therapy helped me to make better choices for myself. This life is a one way street and there will always be hard times and disappointments. But I do not want to miss any of the moments of sheer joy that have come my way in life. Neither should anyone else.
i’ve blogged several times about my battle with anxiety and depression. its amazing how much people are willing to open up when just 1 person starts the conversation.