Did you know its mental Health Awareness Month? well it is for the month of May. Such an important month for awareness to those who struggle like myself.
For those that do not know what and why this month exist, it all says it in the name, but for additional context:
Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as Mental Health Month) has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. The month is observed with media, local events, and film screenings.[1]
Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 (76 years ago) and was started by Mental Health America (MHA) (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). Each year in mid-March Mental Health America releases a toolkit of materials to guide preparation for outreach activities during Mental Health Awareness Month. During the month of May, MHA, its affiliates, and other organizations interested in mental health conduct a number of activities which are based on a different theme each year. The Mental Health Month ribbon is green, symbolizing Hope, strength, and emotional support for those affected by mental illness.[
For those who read my blog, hear my Pods and watch my Vlogs, my struggle is real and part of me each day. But sadly its difficult to speak about it as there is still a stigma with those who struggle with mental health.
What is more alarming is that in the U.S. the suicide rate has climbed to the highest in 80 years and for society that seems so advanced, we are failing those who are struggling.
Here are some resources that may assist those in need and I found it incredibly helpful myself.
https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month/toolkit
Also for those struggling and with thoughts of self harm and Suicide there is 9-8-8, the national suicide hotline.
I continue to struggle daily at times, Its something that even today, I have a difficulty speaking about, although my wife knows, but it pains her to hear what I struggle with. Often times I can only imagine, I sound like a nut, no offense to nut cases out there, who are more severely more impaired than myself.
That may not sound very positive or kind, but I know that I could be a lot worse but its worse for and what I feel, a complete and utter failure in every sense of the word from a father, husband, employee and just a human being, I failed this life for myself and wrapped my family into it. I often think of how much little time I probably have left on this earth, giving myself three years, may three and a half years more of life, with the hope I change and cope better, but for the last few years have not coped well.
Yesterday I have the privilege of spending time with my wife and daughter whom I love at Universal Studios Hollywood, haven’t been in five years. I was happy to be there and share in the moment, but couldn’t help to look around and see who I perceive as happier families, real fathers and husbands, who were not complete failures like myself, triggering me, pushing me over the edge as I better stop talking about now.
Mental health needs definitely more attention in our country and world, but its still stigmatized today, even with family and friends and definitely don’t dare bring it up at work, there is a high probability they will fire you on account many thinking those who struggle with mental illness are unhinged, unreliable and not someone they want around, again my perception.
Lets all grow kinder to each other and I know that’s hard right now with the state of this country, empathy is not their strong suit, but being cold , heartless, cut throat all in the name of progress that’s what matters right now, Make America Great Again, at the expense of making people suffer in many other ways then just mental health.
Remembering that you matter, I matter, although for those who struggle know that is difficult to get into our thick heads as our brains try to defy logic as to our importance to our families, friends and to ourselves, because our lives have value, no matter what anyone else thinks and society sure loves to tell us how valueless we are, but we know better, because for many of us we pontificate our lives, deep think, self reflect, however you wish to call it. I know I do it daily as I search for the meaning of life and why I am still here. My wife and daughter, sister, father, brother in law keep me here, but for how long is the question.
Have a peace everyone, enjoy your weekend and lets get on with it.
Joe Meyers Adventures 