By Chuck LeBlanc
Today is World Mental Health Day.
This is a day designed to spread awareness of mental health and wellbeing and was brought about to help get the conversation going on a global level. Even in 2022 talking about Mental Health can feel like a tall order considering the stigmas that still swirling about. But how do we go about making this a big conversation and changing the way the world views mental health and well being? It starts from prioritizing you own Mental health.
Prioritizing our own mental health and wellbeing is a way to put ourselves first so that we can have what we need to live the lives we want to live.
It starts from home and starts from you. We live in a society that constantly tells us to sacrifice our selves for others, for our families, for our friends. Now, do not get me wrong it is really important to be there for our friends and families but not if it means running yourself down. Think of it this way, if we are constantly doing things for other people, working ourselves to the bone, and never taking time for us, our well being or our mental health, what ends up happening? First, our stress levels go through the roof which can lead to short fuses, sleeping problems, anxiety. Second, our body starts to break down, which can lead to chronic pain, persistent physical discomfort, or the inability to do the things we want to be doing. Third, we continue the cycle that says burning ourselves out, not taking care of our bodies and minds is an ok thing to do.
Prioritizing our own mental health and wellbeing is a way to put ourselves first so that we can have what we need to live the lives we want to live. But it also helps us to teach other people around us (including our kids) that it’s a good idea to take care of ourselves. Investing in our own mental health and wellbeing pays dividends in healthier bodies, more fulfilling lives, and helps to pave the way for others to do the same.
So, on a day like World Mental Health Day invest in yourself and help spread the word to others around you to do the same.
To talk to someone about your mental health, reach out at
613-701-7574, info@ksrc.ca or explore our website to see who you connect to.
