I think one of the biggest turning points for myself and a lot of people I’ve spoken with, about managing their mental health, was banishing the shame aspect. The more we as a community openly talk about our issues, not only does it make others feel like, oh, I’m not alone, but I think talking about it also starts to release the shame aspect of it. 

Not hiding from it really, really helps in the healing process. 

What are some things I do to manage stress? Managing stress is definitely different depending on what type of stress it is. But one thing is drinking water, it took me a while to figure that out. Drinking water really helps. I connect with nature. That’s like my big thing. I think when I was struggling really, really hard, even that wasn’t helping me. But once I started to be able to get a little handle on my mental health, connecting with nature, particularly in the very early morning while everything is still, it just has this beautiful energy. And absorbing that energy just brings so much peace. And yoga, particularly like upside down, being upside down, getting your blood rushing into your head. And then I think finally, it’s just how I speak with myself, giving myself grace and not having the negative talk. I think that was one of the biggest things that helped help me recover from stress faster. 

I’m still not where I need to be, but I am 1 million times better than I previously was. 

I just think it’s really important and amazing that people are willing to speak on their mental health. And I think we are going to become better people if we keep our mental health in focus.