Let's Talk About Mental Health

Last month was suicide prevention month and this month on October 10th, it was world mental health day so I only found it fitting to talk about. Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is a global phenomenon and occurs throughout lifespan. Together, we can become more educated and raise awareness surrounding mental health and make a difference.

Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew. However, only half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated, mental illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide.

Mental health is SO important. This is something that is extremely close to my heart. It is ok not to be ok. This is a serious issue which is not always talked about within our society. One year ago the smile on my face was fake. I was constantly striving for perfection and behind the scenes I was struggling with severe depression, anxiety, stress and negative body image that led to a significant amount of weight loss. I'm very happy to say that today the smile on my face is a genuine one and I have come a very long way. Your struggles do not define you or make you any less worthy of love especially from the Father. Asking for help does not make you weak. It makes you incredibly strong and courageous. Life is not about likes, image or perfection but about joy, laughter, adventure and the love of family and friends.

To anyone out there who may be struggling - I promise you this life is worth living and you were given this life because you are strong enough to live it! There will be good days and there will be bad days but it is all worth it in the end. One of my favorite sayings is "Life is too short to spend it at war with yourself." And it could not be anywhere far from the truth. Remind yourself of this today and every day. Life sometimes feels very long, and sometimes a day feels like seconds. It's the days spent in joy and happiness that give us the hope and strength to see through another day. Seek inspiration from these profound words of wisdom.

You have a PURPOSE. You MATTER. You are ENOUGH. No matter how bad you think things are, you are never too far gone and you are immensely loved beyond measure. You are NEVER ever as alone as you may feel. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Reach out to a friend or loved one and don't be afraid to ask the hard questions and have those conversations. Together, let's end the stigma!

Mental Health Awareness provides a timely reminder that mental health is essential and that those living with mental health issues are deserving of care, understanding, compassion and pathways to hope, recovery and fulfillment. After all, that is what we all want and need now more than ever - for ourselves, our loved ones and for our communities and for our world.

I'm going to link some resources down below for you all to check out:

https://twloha.com

https://www.activeminds.org

https://thedepressionproject.com

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/

https://letterstomygeneration.com

Check out this page on Social Media Addiction Statistics from Lanier Law Firm located in Houston, TX: https://www.lanierlawfirm.com/social-media-addiction/statistics/