Mental Health Resources – Just My MomSense

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and every year I find myself thinking about how much has and hasn’t changed in the way we talk about mental health. We’ve come a long way. But there are so many people that still feel if they can’t handle things on their own, something must be wrong with them.

That’s a lie.

Something I hear a lot, which sounds cliche but is also true: “We would never tell someone with a broken leg to just push through. Mental health deserves the same grace.”

We don’t think twice about going to a doctor for a fever, a sprained ankle, a headache that won’t quit. We don’t tell ourselves we’re weak for needing antibiotics or a cast. And yet, when it comes to anxiety, depression, grief, burnout (all the invisible weight people carry), there’s still this idea that we should just… figure it out.

Mental health is health. Full stop. It affects how we sleep, how we parent, how we show up for the people we love, how we feel in our own skin. Struggling mentally is not a character flaw any more than struggling physically is. And just like physical health, it exists on a spectrum, from everyday stress to more serious conditions and all of it is worth taking seriously.

Here’s the thing about asking for help that I think gets missed: it takes courage. It is not an easy thing. It means admitting that something is hard. It means deciding that you matter enough to invest in. That’s not weakness, that’s strength.

Therapy, medication, a support group, an honest conversation with a friend, all of these aren’t signs that you’ve failed. They’re tools. And smart, strong people use the right tools for the job.

Let’s use this month to give ourselves and the people around us more grace. And then let’s keep that going each month after that. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. If someone you love is struggling, the kindest thing you can do is make space for that conversation without judgment. And if you’ve been carrying something heavy for a while now, please know: reaching out is not weakness. It might just be the strongest thing you do all year.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7: call or text 988. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. – World Health Organization

There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. There is no shame in admitting you need help to take care of your mental health. There is no shame in talking to others about your mental health.

I recognize that in 2023 there is still a stigma when in comes to discussing mental health. I realize there is still a stigma when people talk about going to therapy. However, I am thankful that the stigma seems to be diminishing as each year passes. As it should, right?

It’s hard to talk about sensory difficulties without talking about anxiety. They go hand in hand and can feed off each other easily. Providing your children with the right tools to help them overcome any of their challenges as early as possible can make such a difference. Whether that is speech therapy, occupational therapy, talk therapy, play therapy, while also working with them at home, it can all change how you and your child communicate and get through the day to day.

As a mom, talking to another parent that may be reading this, please know that taking care of your mental health is so important. It’s great to have a support system around you and some are lucky to have that. Whether you do or you don’t, it’s ok to also ask for additional help. Talking to a therapist, meditation, and working on yourself can do wonders for your kids. If you are not regulated, they won’t be either. Being a parent is tough, add having a child with anxiety, sensory difficulties, health issues or any other challenges and being a parent just got tougher. Please take care of yourselves as well.

During World Mental Health Day, I wish for kindness and compassion for all of us. I wish for everyone to feel peace and happiness. For those that aren’t feeling that way, please know it’s ok to ask for help.

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