Mental Health Week

by Anita Benedict

 It has been a few weeks and I am grateful Angela often reminds me. I need reminding it is Friday.

   May is Mental Health Month and I am grateful that mental health is being talked about more. I am not sure if it still has the same stigma, but I do know there are some fortunate people who

can’t understand it completely. That means it hasn’t touched their lives deeply.

   I read a post on Facebook that kind of concerned me because it was from a group that could have some influence. I read it twice and began to see it did have good advice, but it is harder for someone dealing with mental health to see it. It started with, “Folks this is Mental Health Month and we are just gonna say this upfront: Some of us just need to get outta the house, escape the chore routine, the over scheduling, the too many obligations and run wild out in these streets.”

   They meant getting out into the world hiking, biking, walking, meeting friends, exploring nature, and eating good food. All of these will help improve your health in general, but can definitely improve your mental health. However, for some, just getting up in the morning takes a majority of the energy you have for the day never mind getting out of the house.

   I do agree with getting rid of the over scheduling. I personally have come to realize that I have to let some things go. If it is weighing heavy on my mind because I can’t give it the time and energy it requires, I have to let go and focus on what gives me joy or at the very least, not all of my time. Oh, to be able to run wild and explore like I did last week between Lunenburg and Liverpool, taking new paths, cursing my GPS but not caring if I had to turn around for something.

   From experience, a little understanding goes a long way for someone not feeling life at the moment. Sometimes the best medicine is for your friends to simply say, “I will be here when you need me,” or “is it okay if I check in with you?” It has been what got me through, just knowing they were there. What didn’t help was someone trying to force me to do something. I got angry, and then I felt guilty because I felt I had let them down. The guilt just makes me want to sleep it away.

   While I can’t speak for others, I know what has worked for me. Medicine helps, and it can take awhile to find the right one. Therapy helps, but can be hard to access and expensive. I know nature is a healer and so is exercise, but some days just getting the energy to do it is a challenge.

   What brings me joy? Music from the 70’s and 80’s, watching British crime shows, and now I am excited to grow things in my greenhouse. I am happy to get back to work and have a routine. But I also find joy in just being wrapped in a quilt with a cat or two on my lap.