MasterPeace

“When you master your mind, you master peace.”

A new, wise friend shared this with me about a month ago and it’s been stuck in my head ever since. Master your mind. Master peace. Masterpiece. It makes so much sense. So simple.. Let’s talk about mental health. I know LaShawnda just touched on the impact of social media on mental health, but let’s talk a little about the darker sides of it and how to get help. I’m no expert but I know a thing or two.

Once a taboo subject, we’re hearing about this everywhere these days. Often we hear about celebrities with mental health issues that have taken their own lives. Or we know someone who has. These were minds in crisis. These were minds that needed attention and help from someone to manage the stress and monsters in the closet that no one else can quite understand. Some people need medication. Others need to simply talk and share. I find myself in that latter category. 

Sometimes life is unbearable. Sometimes we know why, and can point to a person or situation that is causing the breakdown in our minds. Perhaps it is a job or family member or some other stressor that is wreaking havoc. Other times we have absolutely no idea it’s even happening. Some of us are fortunate enough to be self aware and are able to reach out before things turn really dark. Not everyone in a mental health crisis is suicidal or unpredictable. Sometimes we just need a moment to reset and recalibrate.

Mental health days. That’s a new term for those of us in Generation X or before. No one ever talked about these things before but in 1992 the World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organization declared October 10th to be a day to increase awareness. Since then, it is not uncommon to hear someone say they need a mental health day. Some organizations and workplace even provide it. What that means is the person is not sick, not on vacation, but just needs a mental break from everything. Everything could be work, working from home, people, daily stressors, anything that is causing a mental struggle.

The truth is, you DO have to master your own mind to have peace. How can you have peace if there is a constant war or struggle going on mentally? Maybe there isn’t even a known cause…maybe it’s some sort of chemical misfire in the brain. Again, I’m not an expert on this subject but know for a fact there have been times I needed a mental health day. There have been times in my life I reached out to counseling professionals to help me through a rough patch in life. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, self-care is not always yoga and bubble baths. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is take a mental break, and if you can’t do it alone, call in an expert to help you. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and that is one of the biggest misconceptions in today’s society. You don’t have to have friends or family to lean on. Maybe they’re the last people on earth you would want to vent or talk to. We have a world of first class counselors, therapists, and support groups at our disposal.

Therapy is not always costly. If you don’t have insurance, there are plenty of options available. Look around. If you live in Michigan, go to: https://www.opencounseling.com/michigan.

Or look here at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists. If you live in another state or country, Google is your friendly resource to help.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call: the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Master your mind. Master peace. Best advice ever.