Be kind to your mind.

We put our thoughts and feelings through so much crap. The platforms we browse on a daily basis fill these voids where natural interactions are supposed to take place – and subconsciously, often change our perception in many situations. Society has changed so drastically since we were kids that we struggle to recognize day-to-day life the same way other generations have – and even fail to relate to our peers at times because things have become so complex.

This month our world focuses on mental health, but we all know that the conversation around that topic should be something that gets addressed on a constant basis. Though it seems like those around us have started to embrace individuals who open up about their troubles, they are just as quick to mention “he/she didn’t seem quite right” as a problem occurs – and yet do nothing about that suspicion of theirs when the time is right.

Having faced the consequences of burying a lot of negative emotion and energy in the past myself, I can’t stress enough the value of searching for and finding an unbiased resource to share your frustrations with. It may seem awkward at first, and it will likely require overcoming the instinct to hold back the personal crosses we bear yet don’t feel like other people should ever know about.

Don’t be afraid of the suggested courses of action. I was – because for the longest time, I would always put others first and take whatever pain/debt/loss was involved as playing my part. Anyone proposing the idea of a medication or different routine for approaching these situations received a “stay in your own lane” response from me for years. After opening up to a couple new options, I can gladly say that several of those daily issues can be put behind me with the right action plan.

Love yourself. Always. Have the courage to tell that boss or teacher that you need the necessary time away from a responsibility so you can properly focus on you – whether it be mental, spiritual, physical, or maybe a combination of all the above. Feel the relief that comes from opening up about things that have been kept wrapped up under the blanket on the couch for so long. You’ll thank me later.