Let’s normalize mental health for mental health awareness month

May is Mental Health Awareness month. I personally think that every month should be mental health awareness month. Mental health is so important. It is important for you and for all the people around you. 

I have personally experienced what it is like to be so depressed that I wanted my life to end and I thought of ways to end it. One day I thought I was fine and the next I was lying on my garage floor thinking of ending my life.

Luckily, I had a support system that I was able to call on to help me "off the ledge". I had just had my second child. She was the "perfect" baby. She was a great sleeper and so easy going. I had two wonderful kids in my life. I had a loving and supportive husband, I was starting my dream business, everything on paper looked great. So, why was I not feeling great inside?

I was able to get connected with a great mental health therapist who helped me realize why my brain was not feeling the same way my body was. She helped me figure out what my triggers were. She helped me realize that I needed to put myself first. She helped me learn how to take care of myself and ask for help, not just when I needed it, but all of the time. 

We are humans. Humans are meant to live and connect with people. We are not meant to be "strong independent women who can do everything by ourselves." That just isn't realistic and that isn't strong. 

Strong is asking for help. Strong is saying what you need. Strong is crying. Strong is asking for a hug. Strong is walking away in the midst of 2 crying children so you can take a breath. Strong is being authentic to yourself. Strong is saying no. Strong is beautiful.