May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so let’s talk about mental health.

I struggle with depression and anxiety. I manage my mental illness by going to weekly therapy sessions with a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and Zoloft. During my two and half years in therapy I have learned to use some really helpful tools: journaling, meditating, saying no, and planning bank space in my day.

Taking care of your mental health is so important and sometimes that just means writing a list of things you’re grateful for, remembering to take your meds, and opening a window. Sometimes, caring for your mental health is easy and fun, spending time with friends at the beach or creating something, and sometimes it’s just making it through the damn day.

I’ve had days when “got out of bed” was my biggest accomplishment, and days when “stayed in bed” was. I’ve felt empty and alone in a room full of people I love and that I know love me.

So, how are you feeling? And I don’t mean the fake, “I’m alright” you would give a stranger, I mean how are YOU FEELING? Are you excited about something? Proud of something? Disappointed? Lonely? Loved? Confused? Isolated? No matter what your situation, your feelings are valid. You can feel them, just make sure you are dealing with them. Really feel them. Ask yourself about them. And if there isn’t anything you need to do about it, try hard to let it go. I’ll be here trying to do the same.

At some point in the next couple of days take 5 minutes and just sit, check in with yourself. What does your mind do, when you aren’t distracted? What do you hear or feel or smell? Pay attention to yourself.

I’ll be sharing more about how I manage depression and anxiety throughout the month, and tips I have for journaling, scheduling, saying no, and apps I use for meditating.

Leave any questions you have for me or your own tips in the comments.

Photo by Fabian Møller on Unsplash

*I am not a licensed mental health counselor. This is my experience and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.