January is Mental Wellness Month. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. October 10 is World Mental Health Day. But we know how important it is to recognize the importance of caring for and protecting your mental health every day. Our clients go through a wide range of crises that can affect their physical, emotional, financial, and mental health. Sometimes the unpredictability of what you’re going through makes it nearly impossible and hellish to protect every element of your life; the overwhelm can be soul-sucking. Here are a few tips on what you can do to protect your mental health as you wade through the nightmare.
Sometimes just surviving IS thriving: Give yourself the grace you would give others when they’re knee deep in what feels like the worst moment of their lives. Did you wake up today? Shower? Eat something? Interact with another human? You are surviving, and these small steps are signs of significant strength.
Find your trusted people: Sometimes finding two or three people to confide in can feel like such a gift. Especially when they’ve gone through something similar or having loved ones who have. These connections make you feel less alone and give you hope and perspective that people do come out at the other end of this.
Take the lifeline: People in your life will want to help you. Don’t stop and think about how you can pay them back one day or feel guilty and overwhelmed that you need so much support. These people are there because they care about you. Accept the food drop-offs, offers for dog walking or picking up your kids, shoulders for tears (or boiling rage), or just bodies in your home holding your hand or washing your dishes.
Write it down: Whether it’s to document for your own personal reasons, or to share with professionals (legal, medical, etc.), write down what’s happening to you. It can be a timeline, journal entries, or just random moments. Writing is cathartic and there is always value in it, even if you don’t know at the moment why you’re doing it.
Speak to a professional: If you are at a place where you’re sharing your crisis with others, you’re likely on the receiving end of tons of advice, questions, and concerns (they all mean well). When you speak with a mental health professional, their main concern is how YOU are managing, and they hold a level of expertise and distance that others may not. It can be empowering and validating to speak with a third party who is there solely to hear how you’re coping and to give you tools manage your own wellbeing.
If you are looking for referrals, please contact us. Everyone’s trauma is different – sometimes it takes time to find the right fit. For example, if you experienced sexual trauma, we suggest finding a therapist who has in-depth knowledge and experience with human sexuality, and often refer people through American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) or Sexual Health Alliance.
Seek immediate help when you need to: For immediate, 24/7 mental health crises, dial or text 988. 988 Lifeline is available 24/7 and offers support to individuals facing mental health struggles and emotional distress, or in need of someone to talk to. Also, look into local crisis centers and support groups. They exist for a reason and can provide support and resources when you’re unsure of what to do next.
Consider taking legal action: Please reach out to us to explore your options. We know it can feel intimidating to reach out to a law firm, but it’s just a first step and is a reminder that there is always a place to turn. There is no commitment and just sending us a note can feel monumental in a path forward, whatever that might end up looking like.
And remember – you’re not crazy, the situation is.
