It's May.
Flowers are blooming. Summer is so close, I could almost feel the sunburn already.
May means that colleges are getting out for the summer.
May means that graduation ceremonies are happening left and right.
May means that this meme has probably popped up on your feed a solid 87 times so far.
May is clearly an important month for a number of reasons, but one of those being that it is mental health awareness month.
We live in a society that is starting to grasp the idea of being aware that mental health actually exists (WHICH IS SWEET).
However, there is still such a stigma behind the entire subject. From anxiety to depression, to OCD, to eating disorders, it seems like people often times shrivel up, run away, and hide when you actually attempt to discuss these things.
But what's the point of hiding anymore? The "secret" is out, there are topics to discuss, so let's discuss them.
Odds are if you yourself haven't experienced some mental health struggles, someone around you has.
If you have experienced struggles with mental health yourself, know that you most definitely aren't alone.
However, let's just recognize and acknowledge that problems with mental health are real and do exist.
Time and time again we hear phrases like, "well everyone goes through that", or "well, ya it's normal to be nervous."
HUH? Well, like I said, to anyone dealing with mental health struggles, you are not alone in that. Unfortunately, we are all very broken people and I am quickly learning that not everyone understands the struggles that could come from anxiety, depression, or anything else.
But this I do know, it's not too late to make a change in the way that we view mental illness. It is not too late to rise up and speak out about what it actually means to feel a certain way and why it is so important to be kind to those around you.
Yes, there might be situations that make someone nervous. But anxiety is a whole different ball game and everyone's anxiety is different.
So instead of just acting like we have it all together or like "everyone has a problem, so don't worry about yours," let's actually start loving people in a new way.
Let's acknowledge the fact that yes, we are all broken, but no, we don't necessarily know exactly what they are walking through.
We can be there for them, support them, love them, and so much more, by being a friend first.
No matter what you have been through, know that being there for others and leaning on others at times where you may be having a hard day is ALRIGHT.
There is no need to go through any challenge like this by yourself and if you reach out to someone and they don't quite get it, don't give up. There are human beings out there that would love to walk by your side and remind you of the truth that you are loved and wanted.
When you are in the thick of anxiety, depression, or anything else, it may be so hard to know and believe that there is any sort of "light at the end of the tunnel" but keep moving forward, keep seeking the help that you need.
There is so much strength in seeking help.
