The past month, I have seen multiple articles from psychologists and mental health experts explaining that we have hit a pandemic wall. Paired with those articles, I have seen my friends and fellow moms hitting that wall.
It’s clear we need to be honest about our mental health. I’ll go first.
Opening up about my own mental health has changed my life.
I believed all of the myths that surround stigmas we hear about mental health. I wrote about my battles with anxiety and depression in 2019.
Since then, I have come to terms with knowing I will live with these illnesses for the rest of my life. With the proper treatments, however, I feel great. And that is thanks to that first conversation I had with my doctor.
Make it OK
When I first opened up to my friends and colleagues about my mental health they thought I was just sad, or even suicidal. For some, this may be the case. For me, it was more complicated than that. I wasn’t sad, I loved the blessings in my life – I was just crying all the time for no reason and I had a short temper. It was affecting my parenting, my work, and my relationships.
Then, I had the courage to bring it up with my doctor. You can read more about that here.
Now, I see the signs in my students and fellow moms. I am honest about my own journey with all of them. For every 10 people I talk to, at least one of them says my story inspired them to seek help. Just when I think I’m being too open, those stories remind me how important it is.
So, let’s make it OK to talk about mental health. In every single aspect of our lives – work, school, play, etc.
I’m not an expert, nor a health professional. But I know it’s time we talk to each other. Reach out to a fellow mom, or your primary physician, and let’s be open about what we’re going through.
Have you hit a pandemic wall?
Des Moines Mom is committed to creating a safe space for ongoing conversations about mental health. We have a monthly series called Mental Health Mondays where we are talking about mental health for ourselves, for our kids, our spouses, and our families. Find it here.
Read more about mental health and self-care:
Managing Mental Health In Uncertain Times
Ways to Support Children’s Mental Health
Mental Health Struggles: My Journey through Imperfection
