“I MAY Need to be Clearer about My Mental State”
In this first installment, as a way of getting us all on the same page regarding #MentalHealth, we’d like to suggest a little exercise in “thinking out loud,” but more conscientiously – mindful of others.
A good number of us tend to blurt out our frustrations at certain times. The stresses of life simply can’t be bottled up; but many times, we carelessly exaggerate our limits, no matter who’s listening.
For instance, if you spill a glass of milk on a rug and respond with, “I give up. Kill me now!” you might be surprised to know that’s just the kind of thing that could set some people spiraling down that very path.
In any given year, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health issue, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, all of which can affect one’s physiology and lead to further disorders, especially if left untreated.
There’s still at least 3 other people in this pic suffering from a mental health issue.
Fact is, we all have our hair triggers, coping mechanisms, and tipping points and healing to the extent of thriving is never a simple matter of “gaining perspective” by comparing one’s pain to another’s.
However, by being realistic about your suffering compared to others in certain times and places, particularly in mixed company, you’ll help create an environment where everyone’s #wellness is taken seriously and is more readily apparent.
In other words, statistically, if you regularly joke about being suicidal with a group of five close friends who’ve never experienced a mental crisis, you MAY need to be clearer about your mental state, if only so you’re all ready in a real crisis.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying you should never joke around about being stressed. Go ahead and use #TheStruggleIsReal, if that’s your circle of friends’ way of saying, “I’m just kidding.”
We’re simply recommending we all be more aware of the prevalence and severity of #MentalIllness, because for some, the struggle is quite real, yet they’ll never say so out loud, or worse, never be heard over all the laughter.
To learn more about Meridian’s services, please contact 352-374-5600 and follow the prompts – we do have a 24/7 crisis line; just dial option 1. For general inquiries, you can also send us a message on our “Contact Us” page. Thank you for reading. Please share and be on the lookout for Part 2 in this #ThePowerOfMay series next Wednesday! Take care.
