Mental Health May – Flathead Beacon

If you are someone struggling with mental health issues, you are not alone.

I am that someone too. I suffer from depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorder – now the proper label for alcoholism. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to share my experience and offer some suggested resources, including how supportive relationships are an essential aspect of recovery. I am neither a doctor, nor a therapist, nor an expert. I am a human being, living with chronic depression for about 20 years. I’ve been sober from alcohol for a year and a half. I’m a book lover, skier, cyclist, river rat, mother of two, wife, daughter, sister, and the kind of friend who will sing along in your car with little or no incentive.

In the two decades since I thought my world was going to explode because my brain was heavy and dark, mental health awareness has moved dramatically in the right direction. We know more about the brain, we know more about mood disorders, and we know more about the kinds of drugs and therapies that can help. And they help.

The stigma is also diminishing, although I still find it difficult to talk about it. I’ll tell you when I have a fever, allergies, even – gasp! – diarrhea. But sharing can still give me pause. With medication, therapy, and a healthy daily routine that prioritizes exercise, sleep, nutritious food, and fun, meaningful relationships with family and friends, I can manage my depression. I am more aware of when my mood drops and what to do next.

It’s a learning process, which has been influenced by my two pregnancies, so I understand that it can be difficult to find the right combination of what works to help with mental health. If you add a dependency, it adds another layer. For many years I owned a brewery and now I can tell you without a doubt that once I quit drinking everything in my life improved. Was it intimidating and scary? Of course it was. But only at the beginning.

Part of recovery is taking that courageous step forward out of isolation and into the community to share our challenges. I have found help in many areas, talking to my doctor, my rabbi, my therapist, my sobriety community, my family and my friends. He continues to be a beautiful mosaic of love.

It is important that help arrives before the rocky bottom sinks the ship. If you’re struggling, reach out. You matter and there are people who want to help you. You don’t have to feel like it’s going to be a nationally broadcast ad or that you’ll disappoint anyone. You can text a friend and say, “I’m having a hard time. I need your help.”

If you know someone who is going through a tough time, your friendship makes a significant difference. Register. Tell them why they make you laugh, how making a slice of pizza together is a highlight of the week. Bring them a cup of coffee, fresh flowers or homemade cookies. Take their kids to the playground one afternoon. However, if it is a crisis, call 911 in an emergency.

Being there shows you are witnessing the struggle. Your presence offers love, connection and acceptance.

If you are facing a mental health crisis, I hope you find the help and support you need. You are not alone and you matter.

If you are in crisis and need help, dial 988 or text “MT” to 741-741. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255. All of these options are free, confidential and available 24/7.