"What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation." - Glenn Close

This year took quite a toll on my mental health. It's no secret that I struggle with anxiety and depression - and if you were unaware, now you know. The last few years have been years of growth and healing, but also years with turmoil internally that was never properly addressed. I am grateful that I started therapy 3 years ago - because I would have a harder time navigating life without it. 

As I've mentioned before, journaling has helped tremendously. Being able to get everything out on paper and let it stay there is so therapeutic. It also helps you process your feelings and emotions, in your own time. No one is going to read it - so being as honest as possible is always best. 

Which brings me to my next point.

Getting honest with myself has also been helpful with my mental health. It's harder than it sounds, but well worth the process. 

It takes a lot of work - and it can get messy. But once you are honest with yourself, you open up so many paths for yourself. You are more honest with those around you, your judgement is clearer, and you can trust yourself wholeheartedly. 

When you decide that you want to get help for your mental health, you need to celebrate that. It's not an easy decision, and standing up for yourself and getting the help you feel you need is the first step to healing. When you ask for help, you are allowing yourself to be vulnerable and truly find the root of your traumas.

Over the last year, I also started to force myself to relax. As an anxious person, I struggle with sitting still. I always feel like I need to be on, doing something, that sitting around is unacceptable. I worry about what others will think of me if I just sit down and relax. It's a vicious cycle. With the upset this summer and now settling into the new place, I can say that I am learning to just sit down. We have a very busy schedule, but on the days we don't have anything scheduled? Oh your girl is RELAXING. It has allowed me to rediscover my love of naps, and just being present. 

My advice, should you want it, is this.. if you are struggling with any mental health issues, there is NOTHING wrong with seeking help from a licensed therapist. There are so many ways you can connect with them these days - you may not even have to leave home! If you do decide to go this route, do yourself a few favors. For starters, do not assume you know how they will work with you. Allow a few sessions before you make a decision about whether or not they work for you. Secondly, BE HONEST. Maybe a lot of triggers are hidden in a deeply rooted trauma that you locked away and forgot about - and allow those feelings to flow. Finally, be vulnerable. Need to cry? Go nuts. You cannot get through to your inner child without shedding the layers. 

And one final note on mental health... you don't get to determine whether or not someone has mental health struggles, just like you don't get to determine whether or not they are worthy of help. Passing judgement on others who are struggling shows who YOU are, not them. 

If people are hurting, help.