While we may have memories of easy-going, lazy summers from our own
childhoods, the fact is that, for some kids, the absence of structure, peer
connection, and daily routine can become a breeding ground for mental health
challenges that often go unnoticed.
An art exhibition at the McLean County Arts Center demonstrates the healing power of painting for a Bloomington group focused on recovery from substance use disorders.
It’s that time of the year again, when we’re all supposed to be full of good cheer and unlimited joy.
I get it, I really do. And, with everything we’ve gone through this past year, we can certainly use a time to set aside differences and celebrate what we have in common and the values we hold dear.
For many of us, however, the holiday season is tough. There are pressures to overspend on gifts that may or may not bring momentary joy. We are expected to get together with family and others whom we rarely see at any other time of the year. And the days are getting shorter and the nights darker.
With support, therapy, and intentional self-care, I began to recover. I created boundaries, embraced rest, and prioritized my well-being. Today, I still experience symptoms, but they no longer rule my life. I can work, live life, enjoy relationships, and make hopeful plans for the future.
All of us have mental health. Mental health, like physical health, exists on a spectrum, from healthy to stressed to struggling to a full-on crisis. If you can intervene when we notice the early signs of stress or struggle, you can literally save your loved one’s life.