Raise your hand if you have ever had this conversation: A friend: How are you?
You: Fine
But you are in fact NOT fine. You are hurting. You are overwhelmed. You are crippled by anxiety or depression. You are many things, but you are NOT "fine".
So why do we do that? Is it because we know the person doesn't really want to know how we are feeling? Is it because we don't like to be vulnerable? Is it because we are trying to convince ourselves we are actually fine? Is it because we feel weak?
Regardless of the reason, we have got to start being real with people (within reason - the mailman probably isn't the person to open up to). It is so much better for our mental health if we are honest with ourselves and others. It is ok to not be ok - it doesn't make you weak. And it is most definitely ok to need help!
Make this vow with me: "I promise to reach out to someone if I am struggling. I promise to be authentic and to acknowledge that sometimes life is hard. I accept that it's ok to not be ok. And I promise to be approachable so that if someone else is struggling, they can talk to me."
It is time we #endthestigma around mental health issues. We must #bereal with ourselves and others. We have got to #gethelp in the difficult times. And remember - it's ok to not be ok.
~Tricia
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