A serious note, as always.
Mental health is not what it seems. I can see you imagining a crazy person in a white strapped-up coat in a padded cell.
We were taught that. We were also taught that mental health is something that carries shame. The only shame we should have is losing someone to something that could have been avoided.
I have known too many people who denied feeling depressed until it was too late. Anxiety is real and prevalent, as are social phobias, insecurities, and body dysmorphia. These are challenges to be highlighted, not hidden. Same as your sexual identity. Regardless of your religious beliefs, if you feel it, you own it; otherwise, you will self-destruct.
I believe we live in a state of stress, so we are constantly in fight, flight, or freeze mode. You know the theory, of course, but did you know that in this state, both your digestive and immune systems shut down completely? Why would you need to digest food when running from the proverbial lion? Your body doesn’t care if you have the flu when it’s running for its life.
We live in a world, a city, a life where we are under immense pressure to succeed, look good, be smart, fit in. Survive.
We live in a world where skinny is cool, and rich is even cooler, but to what point?
Science proves that physical ailments, even insignificant ones like eczema, are attributed to stress, whether you feel stressed or not.
Should you ever feel as though you have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, you no longer find things fun, your eating or sleeping habits change, perhaps you eat more and sleep less; you are depressed. I know when I am depressed as things suddenly seem impossible, a shower? As in, get undressed and wash my hair? Nah… I will just go back to bed.
The good news is that this makes you normal, not crazy. We were not designed to live in a world of more want, more need, more demand. It’s almost impossible to feel sufficient.
People will always tell you to seek medical attention, but as a depressive myself, the last thing I feel like doing is going to a stranger to tell them, “I don’t feel good.” Obviously, I don’t, or I wouldn’t be here.
However, I cannot stress this enough: if you feel that you or someone else is a danger to themselves or others, it is your moral obligation to let someone know. Anyone you trust. You can call me; it will be our secret, I promise.
Remember, feeling insane is the sanest feeling. I love you.
