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Mental Health: Bell Let’s Talk Day

On Jan. 31, it was Bell’s Let’s Talk Day. When it comes to Mental Health a lot of people look to doing meditation, using essential oils, exercising, and getting out into nature; but, what works for one person may not work for another.
Kelly Running

            On Jan. 31, it was Bell’s Let’s Talk Day. When it comes to Mental Health a lot of people look to doing meditation, using essential oils, exercising, and getting out into nature; but, what works for one person may not work for another.

            Mental Health, although it should be maintained by using different coping mechanisms, such as taking time to yourself, enjoying stress relieving scents like eucalyptus oil, or going for a walk out in nature. Those aren’t always the solutions, some people need more and I think it’s important to remember that.

            One of the biggest things I think people often overlook is that medication is a necessary route for many people and should not be shamed. Oftentimes feelings of despair and anxiety is actually the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain and it becomes necessary to level out these chemicals and maintain a healthy balance.

            A few years ago, my friend told me she was going to the doctor, that she wasn’t well and hadn’t been for a while. It wasn’t a lack of Vitamin D from not going outside, it wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy smelling scents that are supposed to help with anxiety, it was something that needed more.

            Finding the right medication is important and the side effects can be difficult, but having people you can trust and talk to makes a big difference. There was a lot of talking that year. A lot of allowing them to express their feelings and being receptive to them because oftentimes they bottle those feelings up and think they’re being ridiculous for actually saying how they’re feeling. They’ll worry about annoying you with what they have to say, but encourage them to talk and make time for them.

            So, if someone comes to you to talk… be open. Be kind. Be supportive. And most importantly just be there. You don’t have to solve problems for them, you don’t have to tell them they’re strong, etc… you just have to be available to listen and remind them that they can always talk to you; that they’re not going through this alone and that they can call you anytime. That they’re not annoying you with their problems, which is often something that goes through someone’s mind when they’re looking to reach out. They often don’t want to bother anyone.

            If you’re struggling with mental illness, there is someone out there that is willing to listen, and they’re not going to feel as though you’re bothering them. They will want for you to be better and to help you in any ways they can… just remember to be patient with them as well because they won’t always know what to say and they may even say the wrong things at times; but, keep explaining what’s going on and tell them when they say something that makes you feel off because they were just trying to help. Tell them what you need from them and they will be there.