October Mental Health Awareness

Now that the days are getting shorter, the air is crisper, the nights are cooler and we are adding another layer to our clothing, we wrap ourselves with an additional layer of armor to protect ourselves from the elements.

The carefree days of summer are over and now it’s getting more serious… with the climate. Yes, I am talking about the temperatures, the storms, politics and the corona virus pandemic. Serious topics. 

Our summer was NOT carefree. The planned vacations never happened. Instead, we found ourselves struggling to stay afloat instead of being able to relax and float.

These severe conditions caused personal and professional turmoil, fear, anger and loss. 

While some managed to reinvent themselves and to weather the storm, the elite even prospered. 

However many had no chances, no help, no alternatives and so they are the ones struggling, juggling frantically and trying to figure out ways to survive.  We are still in chaos.

So many feel confused, isolated, stir crazy, lost. We miss personal touch and in- person socializing with family, friends and others.  How many of us have attended online funerals and weddings? How many are studying and working from home? 

While at least we can be grateful to  stay “connected” via the internet (if you are lucky enough to own a device and have an internet connection), those who don’t have that option, suffer from a terrible loneliness.

While it certainly isn’t easy, hang in there. Wear your mask. Go and vote. Practice safe behaviors and ride out the storm. We will come out stronger on the other side. Focus on the positive around you. Turn off the bad news, get out into nature, get some fresh air into your lungs and move those bones!

Yesterday, October 10 marked Global Mental Health Day,  a day to help raise awareness of how Mental Health is not about overmedicating people but also approaching people in need of treatment from a more holistic perspective. Seeing that whole person and the need for them to get out and move and connect.

I was invited to join a special 10 minutes x 10 days campaign with the John W. Brick Foundation, and was asked to lead the  Laughter Yoga segment. This gave me the wonderful opportunity to check out the other 9 presenters and their wonderful exercise programs. What a joy it was to work out with them and to learn new techniques and skills. 

Staying active, getting outside in contact with nature, getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet and LAUGHTER will help promote mental health.

Don’t feel intimidated to ask for help. Don’t wait and let your symptoms build up until you feel overwhelmed. There are groups out there that can help you and it is a sign of STRENGTH to ask for help, not the other way around.

If you know someone who is struggling, please reach out to check up on them.

Love & Laughter,

Alexa