Hurrayyy- May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental illnesses are typically considered those “don’t ask, don’t tell” diagnoses, and that’s the primary reason I’m so excited to celebrate the #GoGreen initiative this month. If you’ve never experienced any depressive disorders or abnormal mood fluctuations, odds are someone close to you has or is currently masking one. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 in 5 American adults will have a mental health condition in any given year. However, only 41% of those affected will seek treatment.

Mental health is a fundamental social justice, and each and every person deserves to experience the liberation of an understanding and non-judgmental ear. We can’t have complete health and wellness without our mental health, so it’s so important for those who have overcome behavioral obstacles, ie depression, substance use, anxiety, PTSD, etc., to raise their voices in order to help dissolve the stigma surrounding seeking treatment. As a 25-year-old hormone-filled female with a predisposition for behavioral health problems, I can proudly say I have a wonderful relationship with my counselor, and I wouldn’t be the well-adjusted and healthy woman I am today if I hadn’t sought therapy for depression a few years ago.

So there we go! It’s all out in the open. Join the #GoGreen movement and help put an end to the social excommunication of those suffering from internal conflicts of all degrees of intensity. It’s okay to seek help, and it’s okay to admit you’re not okay! Again, we can’t have happiness or health without mental health. Since this is an issue I hold very close to my heart, I joined a group of wonderful women to celebrate collectively through the #GoGreenSwap!

I was paired with Christine from Life with a Side of Coffee, and she, to put it frankly, is a doll. My package contained all of my favorite types of goodies: m&ms (mint and regular… the easiest way to my heart), an adorable Gap spring scarf, e.l.f. lip gloss, and a handy Paris notebook.

And who am I to say no to a nice tube (or 3) of lip gloss?

 
Thank you, Christine, for all my awesome #GoGreenSwap box presents! Please help spread the Go Green message this month! Your well being, both mental and physical, is vital to a happy healthy lifestyle. Let’s please put an end to the stigma surrounding the disease, and most importance, encourage and support those reaching out for help. It takes courage!