Mental Health Awareness Month: Take Time to Care for Your Most Important Relationship

BY SUZIE WELLS

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with the current state of human a airs, social and emotional well-being seems at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds. We are o en reminded that “Self-care is not self-indulgence. It is selfpreservation” (Audre Lorde). Or that “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s le of you” (Katie Reed). “When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the over ow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel” (Eleanor Brown)

It’s o en hard to remember to care for ourselves rst, to be sure our oxygen mask is securely fastened before we help another. As a mom, I took a very long time to fully realize the importance of this concept. I always put my kids’ needs and desires rst, last, always. Unfortunately at the sacri ce of my own mental health. Life is tough sometimes. It challenges us to be our best, to show compassion for others, to bravely face adversity, to keep our eyes on goals, to stay true to our convictions. It’s tough sometimes to keep our heads above water when the world seems so dark and draining.

Heather Newton, CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Rochester, says, “ ere are ve vital, life-sustaining organs in the human body: heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, and brain. Of those ve organs, only one—your brain—is stigmatized when it is not functioning the way it should.” I for one am not ashamed to admit I su er as life hurls challenges my way. I wish I could say I stand strong every moment, even every day, but then I’d lie.

I love the idea that the mental health revolution shi s perspectives on one of our most crucial organs. e Dalai Lama says, “If you feel ‘burnout’ setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.” is Mental Health Awareness Month and throughout the year, remember to take time for you. Reach out to friends, family, coworkers when you feel challenges weighing you down too much. And connect with professional resources when those don’t work. Perhaps you need a bit of oxygen before you proceed in your incredible existence. You are a perfectly imperfect human being. You deserve to be content with life. ere is always hope. You are valued. You are loved. You matter. Reach out for help when you need it.

I withdraw and restore myself on hikes in the nearby park. Sometimes I go with a friend, sometimes I go with headphones to lose myself in the natural world and my tunes, and sometimes I just go as I am, seeking peace and quiet, away from human trials. Squirrels don’t care if I am out of tune as I sing so ly; birds don’t care if I skip and dance along the path. No one cares what I look like. As long as I’m peaceful and don’t intrude upon their business, they couldn’t care less.

A er my interludes, I almost always return to human life refreshed, ready to face the challenges de jour. O en, I have come to conclusions, some ideas about what weighs on me, so it’s a win-win. I’ve grown to nally realize I’m not actually taking away time from my motherly duties to adventure solo or with a friend in the woods. In fact, I am being a better parent by taking time to refresh myself. I can honestly say that this past year has been especially challenging for me, and I needed help beyond what hikes or conversations with close friends or hobbies could do to heal me. I feel no shame in sharing that I sought professional help. Many of us do or have done so at some points in our lives. e (hopefully) impartial listeners help us gain perspective on challenges.

For information on selecting a therapist to suit your needs and situation, contact the Mental Health Association of Rochester at mharochester.org. ey can help guide you through the sometimes intimidating process.

For community resources in the greater Rochester area, check out mharochester.org/mental-health-services to nd resources for individuals, families, and groups.

Monroe County’s Mental Health Services department o ers a comprehensive, single contact point for health care coordination and residential services. For adults call (585) 753-2874, and for children and adolescents call (585) 753-2881. A care manager will guide you to resources for your speci c needs.

For more information on the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Rochester serving Genesee, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne Counties, visit namiroc.org.

If you or someone you care about su ers from substance-use/-abuse and mental health care needs, reach out to Cli on Springs-based FLACRA at acra.org. FLACRA o ers comprehensive treatment services for substance use and other health-related disorders. FLACRA’s motto is poignant for those with mental health concerns: “Together We Will.”

Call Lifeline at 211 or text 898211 for immediate assistance, information, and referrals within Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Ontario, Livingston, and Seneca Counties.

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