A Note on Mental Health

It's okay not to be okay. With over 342,000 tags on instagram alone #worldmentalhealthday is being talked about more and more with The World Health Organisation recognising the 10th October as world mental health day. The overall objective to raise awareness of mental health around the world. Social media is the powerful tool getting the message across so I wanted to use my channel to communicate and write a note on mental health. A very good friend of mine posted on instagram this morning,

'Mental health is not to be labelled. It is an illness just the same as others illnesses and diseases'.

Compassion and understanding for others, that even that person you see who you think has totally got their s**t together, probably couldn't be further from the truth. Each and every one of us have our own personal struggles and it is how we approach and deal with those struggles that shapes the people we are. There is no wrong or right way. We are all unique, and everyone has different ways of dealing with things. One of us might find having a glass of wine and chatting with friends a great way to de-stress while someone else may choose to meditate or go for a run. We are all unique and handle changes in our lives differently. A new job, leaving home, starting university, having a baby - all may be exciting times for many, but for others it can be times of stress and apprehension. If not recognised this stress can lead to mental illness. The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly brings many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. That's why in this modern, fast paced world we all live in it is important to care and look out for others so their struggle is not in silence.

'Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and in the process, care for ourselves'

(Princess Diana)

Caring for ourselves can be tricky, if a friend is upset or sad, we are often the first to give them a big hug and offer them friendly advise to take it easy and make them feel better. However, when it comes to ourselves and the society we live in there is this unwritten pressure of, 'come on you can shake it off, put a plaster on and you'll be okay' mentality. When really what we should be doing is giving ourselves that big hug and being kind to ourselves because it's okay not to be okay. If your having a tough time, allow yourself that precious time to sit with your thoughts and work out why your feeling the way you do. If something is making you feel anxious or stressed perhaps there is a friend or family member you can talk with to share your thoughts? As they say, a problem shared is a problem solved. Or maybe it's simply taking some time out for you. Personally I find mindfulness and meditation, very good for this. There are so many wonderful apps (Calm, Headspace, Happy Not Perfect) that at a touch of a button and 10 minutes later can leave you feeling refreshed, less stressed and with increased emotional regulation and self control. Another wonderful tool for managing stress levels is exercise. Never underestimate the power of a stroll to clear your head, or a workout which has so many direct stress-busting benefits. Physical activity pumps up your brain's feel good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. I am strong believer that exercising and eating a balanced healthy diet will make you feel the best possible version of you.

In light of World Mental Health Day, I am going to leave you with some of my favourite quotes from today;

'When "I" is replaced by "We" even illness becomes wellness'

'It's okay not to be okay'

'To anyone suffering with mental illness - you are one badass mother f***ker because nothing is more terrifying than battling with your own mind every single day'

'How could you think you are weak when everything you break, you come back stronger than before'

'The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we nothing nothing about'

'Shout out to everyone making progress that no one recognised because you never let anyone see your darkest moments'

Prevention begins with a better understanding and this begins will being aware of and understanding the early signs and symptoms of mental illness, read more on this on The World Health Organisation's website, click here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, please share with friends and loved ones and leave me feedback on instagram or email - lisapenny.blog@gmail.com

Lisa x