Your worth is not determined by productivity; you matter because you exist, not because of what you accomplish.
Mental health (MH) is not only visible, but also unseen burdens that weigh others down daily. Quality of life is set in stone by mind health. Everyone is affected by MH burdens at one point or another, whether that is personal struggles or seeing a loved one fall apart at the hands of an illness. Most have those days where it’s hard to get up in the mornings, simply turning the social battery on seems like a constant battle, and days become inconsistent. One day feels better; the next, unbearable. Sometimes feelings of loneliness and self-deprivation feel unbeatable as the cycle continues, but there are people who notice. That’s when the ripple effect takes place.
This idea is when an action/event takes place and spreads another reaction far beyond the original point. In this case, seeing a loved one struggle can affect those around them. When you care deeply, it is hard to see the bad days unfold; it leads to a longing to help one another. But it’s important to remember that if two people are drowning, you can’t use your life vest to save them, or you will drown too. You can only lead them towards a new one, or assist in putting theirs on.
As someone actively watching another they care about struggle, take a QPR course. Q- question, P-persuade, R-refer. Find organizations to help. Some in Iowa consist of, but are not limited to: the I’m Glad You Stayed Project, Alive & Running Iowa, and even Green Bandana at the high school. Be patient with your loved one. Through everything, it is possible to feel they are pushing away from help and isolating themselves. Just keep being supportive and holding their hand through milestones. In some cases of depression, a person will not willingly accept help, and it leads to referring to a hotline, a parent, or a trusted individual. This comes with the possibility of losing this friend, but they will be appreciative to be alive and better later in life. Signs of suicidal thoughts can consist of giving away special belongings, Withdrawal from friends, extreme mood swings, etc. Asking someone if they have thoughts of harming themselves will not increase the chances of them doing so. Staying educated is the best road to helping others. To someone struggling currently or who needs a reminder, find joy in the little things. Take a week, a month, or even a year off. Surround yourself with love. Ask for help, scream, cry, yell, go where you are needed. Find a happy place, find joy and beauty and chaos, and dance until your body won’t move anymore, and give yourself purpose. There will always be a place where you belong. Find that support.
Your thoughts are not facts. They are just visitors; you don’t have to believe everyone that shows up. The present moments are the only ones that exist; don’t live in yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s worries. Breathe easier, and give life unlimited chances.
