Links (weekly)
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
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Link – Why I’m Scared to Not Talk About Suicide
I’m not scared either, to admit that I have attempted suicide, that I spent years dealing with depression and destructive mental health issues. Because there are too many people dying. No. I’m not scared to talk about suicide — I’m scared to stay silent. Silence is what fuels my depression. Silence turns thoughts into obsessions…
An example of the path to healing being long
I probably still loop back through some of these stages at various times, but it’s not part of my daily life anymore. Take this list as a sign to take your time and give yourself grace for how long it takes while celebrating the small victories along the way, but also know that it’s worth the time and effort. If I can find the peace and calmness that I have now, imperfect as it is, you can too.
Sharing – A Look at Mental Health Treatment Stigma
As a blogger, and social media user, yes I want to try and be as careful as I can to post supportive messages, and not make anyone feel stigmatized through my words. That’s important, but I also have to remember that everyone is different. When you’re talking with someone through whatever medium, it’s important to not assume ill-intent. If the term “getting help” feels stigmatizing to you, simply ask people not to use it, suggest some other terms, etc. Have a conversation about how you want to talk about your mental health. Keep the lines of communication open, on both sides.
That’s how you end stigma. By communicating, instead of shutting anyone down.
Sharing – We’re Basically All Struggling With Mental Health Right Now
I feel like 2020 has been one of the only times I can remember when admitting you’re struggling with things like anxiety and depression is met with nods of agreement and understanding. That’s an opening for us to continue to talk about mental health issues, of all types, and for people to understand how common it is to need some type of mental health support, whether that be professional, or just supportive friends and family.
On the other hand, I also feel like we all understand that feeling anxious and upset right now is a “normal” reaction to world events, and that having similar issues at another time will be met with skepticism instead of understanding. I hope I’m wrong about that.
In the mean time though, have more conversations around mental health. It will only help all of us feel less alone.
Link – Coping with Stress is Essential for Recovery
This is as true for those of us dealing with mental health, or abuse recovery as well. The healing process gets completely disrupted when we are n’t dealing with stress. “Life throws us many uncontrollable stressful situations. Social conflicts, finances, finding a new job, and worrying about health can be a fork in the road…
