Your Mental Health Matters

I did not write that quote but I could have written it. I have sacrificed my mental health for others’ priorities, needs, and their lack of disappointment. I’ve focused on others for so long and so much that I am burned completely out now.

Here’s the thing about mental health, nobody can see it until it gets ugly. But health is health rather it’s physical or mental. If we were wrapped in bandages head to toe or showed some physical pain to our peers, then they would accommodate us. They would open doors, assist us, ask if we need anything but because we don’t wear a T-shirt and hat describing our mental health issues then we often get zero accommodations.

We just need to go ahead and assume that everyone has a wound and that everyone is dealing with their devil on their level. Then we must respect when they take care of their mental health. It may look like canceled plans, a phone call not answered, calling in sick to your job, a day at the spa, or cutting toxic family members out of your life. It’s the first step in self-care and that is loving yourself first and quit people-pleasing.

I know many are reading this and saying “I know this” but I say are you doing it? Are you holding boundaries and putting yourself first? I know it’s hard to do but every first step we take is hard. It gets easier to do when you see the benefits. If I sound like I’m pushing this or heavily encouraging it, I am. I know more people that can’t do it than can do it. If you take the first step after reading this, please comment, or direct message me so I can congratulate you. All first steps need to be celebrated. You and your mental health matter!