Well Hey there! It’s been a while.
Today is World Mental Health Day and I thought, what better way to clear my thoughts after a shit show of a week (and year really!) than by writing a long overdue blog!
First since this is a mental health topic I want to say, If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, or are having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 800-273-8255 or 911, or your physician / mental health professional.
I was reminded that today was World Mental Health Day when I scrolled through social media this morning. As someone who is no stranger to struggling with mental health issues myself and with family members, I implore you to consider making every day, mental health day!
My darkest days were undoubtedly after I lost my boys last year. Fighting through depression, anxiety, thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore, and a host of other challenges have made me into the person I am today. From the outside, most people looking in think I have it pretty easy. I’m sure if you compare me to the ” 10 percent of the world’s population live on less than $2 a day” statistic, well yeah, sure, I have it easy. But comparing your struggle to someone else who might statistically have it worse than you, doesn’t make you feel any better when you’re in the deep dark hole of depression. This year has been so hard for so many people. Some have lost family members due to illness, or not getting the medical attention they need due to shut downs, some have lost jobs or income or homes, some have had increased mental health issues due to lockdowns or restrictions faced. If none of these things happened to you, I’m so happy for you, but it doesn’t mean your struggles are less than anyone else. Just because you carry it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy! If there was ever a time to start standing up for your own and others’ mental health; it’s now!
Today, for World Mental Health Day, I started the morning with a cup of coffee and a fruity breakfast. Sully and I had a quick training session, then we left on a 3 mile hike. We adventured through the trails to watch the sun rise, we wandered down a foggy road towards the lake, we took some pictures, saw a cute baby bunny, a herd of deer (is it a herd? I don’t know!) and some geese. The lake was so quiet, we heard nature sounds and nothing else. We then came home and had some lunch, I called my Nana and bragged to her about the Victoria Sponge Cake (it’s a British thing!) I made the other day, she was excited 🙂 I love talking to her and I really miss seeing her. I also made some jewelry and did some research into my next educational adventure I’ll be starting soon. When my husband came home we chit chatted, had some tea and a piece of aforementioned cake, then we did some outside chores and off he went to bed as he works weird hours. The only people I interacted with today were my husband and my dog. Winning!
My week at work was ruff, let me tell you. Some of the things we have to put up with as veterinary professionals, man we all need a medal! This week I was done. My mental health took a beating and today was exactly what I needed. Sadly, compassion fatigue and burnout are all too common in the veterinary field, as are suicidal thoughts and actions. Protecting yourself from these things is all about recognizing your limits and setting boundaries as well as working with qualified professionals. Counselors, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, pastoral counselors, social workers, there are many people who can help with mental health issues. Never underestimate the power of a friend with a listening ear. Personally, I suck at boundaries but after 10+ years in the field, I sure know what it feels like to be physically, mentally, ethically, and compassionately, burned out!
There are many things you can do to help improve your mental health, pets, especially dogs, have been shown to improve mental health, they can bring feelings of wellbeing, their unconditional love can stimulate dopamine release in the brain and petting can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Being outside in nature can reduce feelings of stress and anger. Horses have been used in equine assisted therapy to help with anxiety, panic disorder or specific phobias. Medication may help, talking may help, changing careers or cutting negative or toxic people out of your life. Maybe a combination of all the above is what’s right for you. There’s always more than one way to crack an egg! Finding the best method of help for you may take some time, but stick with it! It gets better! 🙂
I hope that one day in the future, announcing you have depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or any other mental health problem is as normal as saying you have diabetes or cancer. The more open people are able to be about their struggles, the easier it will be to end the stigma surrounding suffering with mental health conditions.
It’s OK to not be OK, you just can’t stay there. Please don’t suffer in silence – You have to reach out. I promise you that anyone who knows you would rather answer a call, text or get a knock at the door at any hour, than hear something terrible and irreversible has happened to you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 / https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Links/References
https://www.verywellmind.com/equine-therapy-mental-health-treatment-4177932
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org