As we go into this fourth holiday season since the Pandemic, let’s be honest with ourselves.
Many of us are struggling, it IS Ok not to be Ok, and we need to stop stigmatizing mental health.
As a trained clinician, it drives me nuts that it is ok to talk about fixing a broken tooth and it is not ok to talk about fixing a mind in need of help. They are both body parts in need of repair.
I have been very open about my challenges with anxiety and depression and can report that, I am no longer on medication, and I am feeling much better in all aspects of my life. This accomplishment was not without the support of my family and close friends.
What about you?
Below are the key findings from Mental Health America, the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all.
According to an article by the North American Mental Health Alliance (NAMHA) 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their condition worse.
It is not all gloom and doom there ARE things you can do to assist and improve your mental health.
I highly recommend reading this article noted above and have included some of their strategies below.
- Accept your needs. Be kind to yourself! Put your own mental and physical well-being first.
- Write a gratitude list and offer thanks. As we near the end of the year, it’s a good time to reflect on what you are grateful for, then thank those who have supported you.
- Manage your time and don’t try to do too much. Prioritizing your time and activities can help you use your time well.
- Set boundaries. Family dynamics can be complex. Acknowledge them and accept that you can only control your role.
- Keep up or seek therapy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to share with your mental health professional. They can help you pinpoint specific events that trigger you and help you create an action plan to change them. If you’re already seeing a therapist, keep it up.
- Find support. Whether it’s with friends, family, a counselor, or a support group, airing out and talking can help.
As many of you know, I started my career as a Dentist and had to cease my clinical career due to a medical condition in my dominant hand. Talk about trauma and a mental health challenge!
What about my dentist colleagues? According to research, we are 2x more likely to suffer from Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Depression vs. the general population.
My friend Dr. Kyle Stanley and I have made it our mission to help fellow dentists navigate through the mental health challenges of our profession. As NAMHA recommended in the above article FIND SUPPORT.
This is the reason that we have decided to conduct an in person, metal wellness in Dentistry workshop called Lightside LIVE.
It is ok to not be ok, and if you are not OK…reach out to a friend, colleague, or mental health professional.
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About me: I am a professional speaker/coach with certifications in Executive Coaching, Team Coaching/Facilitation, Emotional Intelligence, and Happiness Studies. I’ve spent 20 years working with leaders to build happier and more fulfilled teams.
If you are looking for a dynamic speaker, someone to work with your team, or individual coaching, schedule an initial call with me, just click on this link!
