Photo: Lagoa do Fogo, Sao Miguel, Azores
May is finally upon us. It’s the height of spring, the season of new things, and the time to buy new cute sandals. It’s the time of year when the weather is warm enough to enjoy it and not quite hot enough to loathe the sun. And do you know what else May is? It’s Mental Health Awareness month.
I actually didn’t know that there was a month set aside to bring awareness to mental health issues until just recently, but now that I know I am in full support! I think there are so many untruths, rumors, stereotypes, and stigmas around mental health issues in American society. It seems to only become a hot button topic when there’s a tragedy surrounding someone who suffered from mental illness. This year’s theme is #B4Stage4, encouraging identifying the symptoms of mental illness early and seeking help before it becomes an issue.
While there are many factors that can contribute to mental health illness, one of the most common triggers can be stress. I have had difficult times in my life where I felt that I was on the brink of depression. I’m talking wear my bathrobe and eat cheetos all day type of sad. What I have found to be a great stress reliever for me is to connect with nature. I feel a really strong connection with the sound and the movement of water. It’s like my life force. When I’m surrounded by beautiful scenery and removed from the sounds of anything man-made I feel like I have a direct connection to God.
Photo: Tobago, Magdalena Bay
I can clear the clutter from my thoughts and focus. This helps me to get so much clarity on whatever issues I may be facing. For me, nature = peace. When I feel myself getting to that place of feeling overwhelmed, then I know it’s time to make time for a sanity reboot. Sometimes all I need is a few hours at one of my favorite parks, like the rapids of Hillsborough River State park or at the beach. Sometimes I need an entire sanity weekend getaway. Even if I’m traveling with friends, I carve out that time just for myself. I make it a point to get up and watch the sun rise or I go for a walk.
Photo: Sunrise in Tobago
My recent Azores trip was part bucket list adventure trip and part mental health break. I knew that when I returned I had to face some very difficult life changes. My long-term relationship was ending and I would be uprooting my child and moving. Starting over as a mid thirty-something is a bit terrifying to be honest. Can you say stressful?? I desperately needed that time to get in a good happy place. Although I made time for a lot of adventure on the trip, I had plenty of God time planned in too. When we visited the Sete Cidades crater lake I sat there on the shores and I cried. It was a comfort to know that if God could take the destructive mess that is created from the eruption of a volcano and produce all of this new lush greenery and beautiful twin lakes, one blue and one green, born from those ashes, then surely He can orchestrate my small problems that are really just mole hills.
Photo: Shores of Lagoa Cidades, the green lake, Sao Miguel, Azores
It is so vital to pay attention to our feelings and our thoughts. As moms we wear a million and one hats and a cape too. We tend to be so concerned with making sure that everyone else is ok but we neglect ourselves. It’s not healthy and added stress and pressure can start to manifest itself in very unhealthy ways or forms of mental illness.
We can’t be any good to anyone else if we aren’t taking care of ourselves. Make time for you and allow yourself that chance to reset and revitalize your mind and your spirit. That extra time could be the difference in an emotional break down or a breakthrough. We don’t have to let the toils of life beat us down. I can only imagine how different I would be if I hadn’t discovered that nature is my therapy early on. I could have succumbed to the depression and let it take me out completely. My love of nature saved my life. I hope you can find your peace too.
Photo: Lagoa do Fogo, Sao Miguel, Azores
I realize that when a person is suffering with a serious mental illness that a walk by the river won’t be enough. You are not alone. I encourage you to reach out to someone and seek professional help if you need it. 1 in 5 Americans suffers from a mental health illness. There is no shame, only hope. #B4Stage4
Resources for more information and a personal mental health screening:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may
https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Raise-Awareness/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Month
http://www.mentalhealth.gov/
Lauren G. , Outdoorsy Diva™
“Adventure Is a Lifestyle!“
13 Comments
Nichole
May 5, 2015 at 7:16 amMay is also Cystic Fibrosis Month, which we discovered my niece has…so May is a “serious” month it seems…but both are things that need awareness and I’m sure there are other issues that are focused on May – but I would much rather celebrate food holidays 🙂
This is a great post, Lauren! I wouldn’t say I have been so down and depressed in my robe with cheetos, but the feelings do come sometimes and for me just getting OUT, even when I don’t want to seems to help.
Lauren
May 5, 2015 at 11:40 amThe key is that you recognize it and you know when you need to take action. Thanks for reading Nichole.
Monique
May 5, 2015 at 8:02 amBeautiful, well written, and honest post! I admire your openness amd strength. Keep it up! You are an inspiration!
Lauren
May 5, 2015 at 11:39 amThank you for reading and for your support Mo!
Brenna Taylor
May 5, 2015 at 8:04 amI too love the water; it de-stresses me almost immediately. Thanks for sharing your post. We women have to do a better job of caring for ourselves.
Lauren
May 5, 2015 at 11:38 amYes we have to remind each other and encourage each other and say “My sister you need to take a break.”
Bijee
May 5, 2015 at 9:56 amIt’s great that you recognize when you need this. The issue for most people is not tunning in to the fact that they are almost at their breaking point. I have had many a mini-meltdowns where I say to myself I can not let this go any further. We have to understand that life is happening to all of us and we have to deal with it, we can’t keep tucking stuff away.
Your transparency is awesome! I pray for you and your little one in the newness with the recent changes!
Be blessed! #blmgirl
Lauren
May 5, 2015 at 11:37 amThank you so much Bijee for your support and encouraging words.
Khaliah Fleming
May 5, 2015 at 10:43 amLS!
I appreciate your candidness and your vulnerability in writing this post. While well-written, this was an HONEST post about how God uses the very things that we overlook or often fear, to bring us closer to ourselves and to him. Kudos on a job well done! I am proud of you!
Lauren
May 5, 2015 at 11:37 amThaanks Khaliah for the suppport and encouragement.
Lora
May 5, 2015 at 1:40 pmThis is such a beautiful post! Thank you for being so vulnerable and open Lauren!!!! It will undoubtedly inspire others. 🙂 I too find there’s something amazing about being by the water. And yes–if you don’t take care of yourself first, how can you be good to anyone else? <3 <3 <3
Run DMT
May 21, 2015 at 5:38 pmSuch an important message here! Sometimes taking the step is the hardest part when it comes to a change, an adventure or getting help. You are such an inspiration! <3
Visiting very late from #FridaySharefest!
Lauren
May 22, 2015 at 1:49 pmThanks Denise! And thank you for sharing it with the round up. It’s a subject that is so near and dear to my heart.