Mental Health Awareness

During this month of mental health awareness, it is an important and timely chance for all of us to step back and consider what is happening to each of us and those around us in this historic and critical time.  I see it and hear it in everyone that I work with in one degree or another.

A focus on awareness lets us all remember that each of us it as a different level of mental health at all times.  And it is not a constant.  It ebbs and flows and is very situational.  Different things set us off differently and at various times.  Just like some people are natural athletes, some people are able to manage their mental health in a way that looks easier or more natural.  But like physical health, we all need to take care or face underlying circumstances.

Acceptance is the next key step.  Understanding and allowing ourselves and others to go through the experiences and steps needed to manage or improve our mental health.  Again, like physical health, some of us have a bigger challenge and higher bar to get over than others.  Acceptance that it is okay and it is normal to have these thoughts and feelings is key to helping us each act on our personal care approach.

And last is empathy.  Taking the time to listen to someone’s challenges and try to understand them, rather than shrug them off and minimize them.  It often feels counter intuitive and we want to say, “Don’t worry, everything is fine.”  But the real message that many need is, “I can see it is not fine and I would like to listen to you to understand your feelings from your perspective, not mine.”  This is a critical first step for man of us, to have comfort knowing we will be seriously listened to.

I hope you take the rest of the month, and honestly all the days after this month, to consider your own mental health and those that are around you in your businesses and in your personal lives.  Consider the power of practicing awareness, acceptance, and empathy as part of your approach with yourself and others.