Mind Matters

05/07/2023

Mind Matters Advocacy focuses on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for mental health issues and the well-being of individuals experiencing mental health challenges. It aims to promote mental health education, improve access to mental health services, and advocate for policies that support mental health and well-being.

23/06/2023

Connecting with other people can have a significant positive impact on mental health.

Building and maintaining relationships with others provides a valuable source of social support. When facing challenging situations or experiencing emotional distress, having a network of supportive individuals can offer comfort, understanding, and encouragement. It helps to share your thoughts and feelings with others, knowing that you're not alone in your struggles.

23/06/2023

"Nobody can save you but yourself": This line emphasizes that ultimately, the responsibility for your well-being and personal growth lies within you. It suggests that relying solely on others to rescue or fix your problems is not a sustainable solution. You must take charge of your own life and make the necessary changes to improve your circumstances.

"And you're worth saving": This phrase affirms the inherent value and worthiness of every individual. Bukowski reminds us that we are deserving of self-care, self-improvement, and personal development. It encourages a positive self-image and self-esteem.

"It's a war not easily won": This line recognizes that the journey of self-improvement and personal growth is not easy. It implies that overcoming life's challenges, conquering one's inner demons, and achieving personal goals can be a struggle. It requires determination, perseverance, and sometimes sacrifices.

"But if anything is worth winning, then this is it": Despite acknowledging the difficulties, Bukowski suggests that personal growth and self-improvement are among the most valuable pursuits in life. He implies that if you're going to invest your time, energy, and efforts into something, investing in yourself is the most worthwhile choice. It highlights the significance of personal transformation and the rewards that come with it.

22/06/2023

Mental health awareness is critical for promoting understanding, compassion, and support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. By fostering an environment that values mental well-being, we can work towards reducing stigma, providing timely intervention, improving overall quality of life, and creating a society that prioritizes mental health.

Prioritizing mental health helps individuals lead fulfilling lives while contributing to a healthier and more supportive society.

21/06/2023

“Sunflowers end up facing the sun, but they go through a lot of dirt to find their way there.” ― J.R. Rim

When the times grow hard, and the burdens of the world sit firmly upon your shoulders, remember to hold your face to the sun and keep on growing. Nature is inspiring, and elements like the sunflower are small but powerful reminders to keep standing firm, keep growing, and always moving to the light!

21/06/2023

With songs for any season or spirit, this BTS-themed self-care playlist has songs that captures all feels 😌

Know that it’s okay to feel your feelings, and whether you’re in the mood to dance or cry, we’ve got you 💜

21/06/2023

You can't see people's mental health. Always be kind.

Depression is not someone

Depression is not the underperforming kid in school
Who always keeps her head low
And eats her lunch in the toilet
It is not someone who can’t bring themselves out of bed
Not the boy who only wears darks clothes
Like the girl who never smiles in photographs
And always disappears

Depression is not what you aren’t when you think everything in your life is sunny
As if depression is all about the dark
Depression,
Is not the sulking teenager college dropout
The overdosed one who can’t fall asleep without drowning
In whatever allows her to

Depression is not the children who didn’t have supportive parents
It is not the adult who lost their job
Not the neighbor you never talked to because he had gloomy eyes
And only wore the same gray jacket everyday

Depression is not the girl who managed to roll herself out of bed
Take a shower, and put on her armor for another day
It is not someone
Because no one is only ever their pain
And the pain is not always in the shades of blue, black, gray
Not oversized shirts and unwashed hoodies
Not sluggish walk and head cast low stares along the hallway
Not lonesome adolescence and overdose
Not left-alone child who never smiled
Whose parents were never supportive

Depression is never one person, never one image caricature
You can’t measure depression
The way I tried to make sense of it as a terminology in my classes in Psychology
In my university mental health awareness campaigns
No wonder it has always been so distantly vague
Because depression is not someone
Not something
But it sure is a heave in your chest you didn’t recognize until your knees locked in on you
To prove
The oxygen has gone too low
So you fill your thirsty lungs with your tears and apologies,
It sure is not me rolling off my bed
But it’s a stain no one can see when I do;
And when I don’t
It’s a thump no one hears
And no one sees through the grades and stark performance they called me by;

Depression is not someone
It is not anyone painted the shades you think it is
There is not enough color in our vocabulary
Not enough numbers and letters to call it by

I know, because it sure does taste like acid in my throat that creeps in every crevice of my joint,
That cements me back to blue, then black then gray
even when the skies are the pretty kind of blue
Even when I want to say,
from my heart
Thank you

21/06/2023

Just a reminder in case your mind is playing tricks on you today: You matter. You're important. You're loved. And your presence on this earth makes a difference whether you see it or not.

21/06/2023

Keep taking time for yourself until you're you again - Lalah Delia

When your mental health is bad, give yourself a break. Don't make yourself feel guilty for things you can't do. Don't feel bad about eating bad, about not doing as much as you normally would. You're human it's okay to struggle. Look after yourself and your mind. It's important.

17/06/2023

Self-love encourages us to prioritize our own needs and well-being. In a world that often glorifies busyness and sacrifice, it's easy to neglect ourselves and our mental health. However, self-love reminds us that our well-being matters and that we deserve care and attention. It empowers us to establish boundaries, engage in self-care practices, and make choices that honor our mental and emotional needs. By investing in our own well-being, we not only improve our mental health but also set an example for others, challenging the stigma surrounding self-care and mental health.

It fosters deeper connections and healthier relationships with others. When we genuinely love and accept ourselves, we attract and cultivate relationships that are grounded in mutual respect, support, and understanding. By valuing ourselves, we are better equipped to communicate our needs, set boundaries, and engage in authentic connections. In turn, these positive relationships can contribute significantly to our mental health, providing a sense of belonging, support, and emotional nourishment.

In conclusion, self-love is an essential component of mental health awareness. It empowers us to challenge societal norms, build resilience, prioritize self-care, and foster healthier relationships. By embracing self-love and sharing its importance with others, we can contribute to a culture that values and nurtures mental well-being. Let us remember that self-love is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance.

17/06/2023

The lack of mental health education in school is shocking.

It seems young people only learn about mental health after suffering from it themselves.

TOM HULME II

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it can significantly impact a person's academic performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Early education on mental health can help raise awareness about common mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote a more supportive and empathetic school environment. It can also equip students with strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and seek help when needed. By learning about mental health from a young age, students may develop a better understanding of their own emotions and those of others, fostering a healthier and more inclusive community.

Efforts are being made in some educational systems to address this issue. However, it's important to acknowledge that implementing comprehensive mental health education requires resources, trained professionals, and a commitment from educational institutions. Advocacy for mental health education in schools, both from students and the wider community, can help drive positive change in this area.

In the meantime, it is crucial for individuals to take proactive steps to educate themselves about mental health, seek support from trusted sources, and engage in conversations about mental well-being with friends, family, and other supportive networks.

Photo by The Minds Journal

14/06/2023

I think it's brave that you get up in the morning even if your soul is weary and your bones ache for a rest.

I think it's brave that you keep on living even if you don't know how to anymore.

I think it's brave that you push away the waves rolling in every day and you decide to fight yet again.

I know there are days when you feel like giving up, but I think it's brave that you never do.

- Lana Rafaela

Photo by ItsLilpeanut on flickr