Mental Health: More Than Just Today's Hashtag

As we scroll through our feeds, filled with affirmations, stories, and statistics marking World Mental Health Day, it prompts a pause and a ponder. Amidst the sea of well-intentioned posts, it's essential to distinguish between genuine empathy and passive digital gestures. For those like me, who've been on a long mental health journey, this day holds more than just a hashtag. It's a reflection, a remembrance, and most importantly, a reaffirmation of the lessons learned. Let me share some insights from my half-decade-long voyage.

On this day, as posts flood LinkedIn championing mental health, I can't help but reflect. Do they all come from a place of genuine concern? Or is there a tinge of irony as we seek digital validation?

I've been working on my mental health for over half a decade.

Here is what I've learned:

Transparent Inner Dialogue: Reason or Excuse?

Self-honesty is challenging. In today's world, it's easy to get caught in the web of self-victimisation. I see it every day, and I've been entangled in it too.

When faced with adversity or a task, it's paramount to differentiate: Is it a genuine reason holding me back? Or merely an excuse?

Consider the simple act of postponing a run:

Reason: Up all night with a newborn. Barely an hour's sleep.

Excuse: "I'm just drained after a demanding day at the office."

By cultivating a practice of radical transparency with oneself, the frequency of excuses becomes evident. As this awareness deepens, we're better positioned to challenge these excuses, empowering us to lead more intentional and productive lives.

Mental Health Isn't a Buzzword

In today's world, the term "mental health" is ever-prevalent, echoing across various platforms. But with its increased use, we must guard against allowing its depth and gravity to be diminished. Mental health is not an umbrella to shield us from life's standard pressures or challenges.

Life, inherently, brings its fair share of stress, and there's merit in that. We are biologically wired to feel stress as a response to potential challenges, and in these moments of tension and adversity, there's immense potential for growth.

However, using mental health as an all-encompassing excuse is a disservice to both the individual and the genuine severity of mental health disorders.

Stress, anxiety, and sadness are integral to the human experience, and it's during these times of pressure that we often discover our true capabilities and strengths.

Achievements aren't just for the calm days but for the stormy ones too. With the right perspective, even under the weight of mental strain, we can accomplish greatness, break barriers, and set benchmarks. Remember, resilience isn't built in tranquility but in adversity.

Time is a Healer

Life is a series of ebbs and flows. We all face moments when the weight feels unbearable; a sudden panic attack, a lingering sense of despair, or a night that seems the darkest. Yet, in those moments, recall the wisdom of John Lennon:

"Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."

In our fast-paced world, we often forget yesterday's struggles. Keeping a journal is more than a mere exercise; it's a bridge to our past selves. As you pen down your thoughts, fears, and triumphs, you are documenting a journey.

Flipping through its pages months or years later, you'll marvel at your evolution. You'll see patterns of resilience, of bouncing back, and realise that challenges, as daunting as they seemed, were transitory.

These journals become our life's milestones, showcasing our ability to endure and rise. Without these tangible reminders, the essence of our journey might blur. Remember, it's not just about surviving the storms but recognising and celebrating the strength it took to navigate them.

In conclusion, the conversation around mental health is both urgent and necessary. However, it's vital to remember that not every bout of stress, sadness, or anxiety is a sign of a mental disorder. These emotions, to some degree, are innate human reactions to challenges. Instead of hastily attaching labels, we must discern between genuine mental health conditions and the natural ebb and flow of life's stresses. Every emotion, every stressor, doesn't need a clinical tag. Sometimes, it's just life testing us, pushing our boundaries, and shaping us. Using mental health as a blanket excuse not only dilutes the severity of real conditions but also prevents us from harnessing our inherent resilience and strength. Let's respect the depth of mental health by understanding and acknowledging its true essence.