LET'S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

I will be the first to say that this is rather a strange sounding post for a Monday, but that's exactly what I'm posting this. One of my favorite photographers/bloggers/YouTubers, JacksGap recently did a video on mental health and the stigma attached to having any kind of personal issues going on. He encouraged everyone who agreed with his views to talk about mental health within their own communities, so I decided to share my thoughts here.

As someone who suffers from anxiety and who, for years, has had mild trichotillomania - I'm a firm believer in the benefits of taking note of your mental health and treating your mind like you would treat the health of your body. I'm sure you're all thinking, what the fuck is trichotillomania? Well, I'll tell you. It's a compulsive impulse disorder characterized by the urge to pull out your hair and is most often triggered by stress or depression. I can't tell you exactly when this started for me but I know the time frame. I was going through an extremely difficult time in my life, experiencing being bullied for the first time (as an 'adult' to top it off) and in a relationship that was just flat out unhealthy. At first I didn't even notice I was doing it, but I would repeatedly pull out my eyebrows and eyelashes until I almost had none. I can't explain why I do it or how it doesn't hurt, I guess maybe someone who has experienced something similar might be able to relate. At least that's what I'm hoping for.

I've never openly talked about this to anyone other than my close friends and family because I just felt ashamed and weird. But I've decided that the only way to help rid the stigma that mental health issues are bad, is to share my own. So many people have their own demons their battling and you never know what's really going on in someone's personal life. Who are we to judge? If anything people with mental health issues need more compassion, not less.

I'm happy to say that it's been a two year long journey to confronting my anxiety and borderline OCD disorder and every now and then I still have a slip up when things in my life feel really stressful. But the thing is, when I do have a slip up - I don't beat myself up about it. It happens. And I'm working on getting myself to a more sensible, stable frame of mind and not letting my anxiety run crazy when one little thing goes wrong.

I try to say "yes" more and force myself into situations that are outside of my comfort zone because, for me, that's been the best way to help overcome my anxiety. I guess what I'm getting at is, don't be afraid to talk about how you feel and what you feel. If you need help ask for it. Most people are a lot kinder than we give them credit for. Something that's really helped me in my journey to a healthy mind has been reading books about mental liberation and freedom. Here are some of my favorites in case you want to check them out:

The Four Agreements - A Practical Guide To Personal Freedom - This is probably my favorite. It's quite short so I re-read it from time to time when I don't feel great about myself, either about how I'm treating myself or how I'm treating other. A really great read that always leaves me feeling like I've wiped my slate clean and can start again.

Eat Pray Love - Obviously more of a novel, but still helpful and reassuring reading about someone battling her own demons and able to overcome in the end.

Wherever You Go, There You Are - This one's about mindful meditation and reclaiming your life. I'm not a meditator (apparently this is not a word?) but even a a beginner I felt like this was a great book. Definitely working on incorporating more meditation, yoga and 'me time' into my life.

The Secret - I think this one is a little controversial some people say it seems 'cult-like' in its following but I love it. It's about putting out the kind of energy you want to attract in the world and how to be your most successful and happy self. Some parts I found less motivating and inspiring than others, but still an overall great philosophy to live by.

What do you guys things about mental health? I'd love to hear your thoughts.