What to Say When Sending a Mental Health Greeting Card

Hey everyone! It has been a very busy few months and I simply had to take a break from writing for awhile to keep up. David and I bought our first home together in May and we just moved in last week! We’re thrilled! So many ups and downs led to that moment but here we are! It’s been a really rough year for pretty much everyone and checking in on each other (particularly those that suffer from a mental health problem) is important!

One of the things that’s hardest to understand about people who suffer from depression or anxiety is that wanting to be left alone often comes with the territory. Unfortunately, that can be very isolating and make symptoms even worse. If I know someone is really struggling with their mental health, I often like to send a little note or gift to let them know I care. But sometimes I have a hard time figuring out what to say! Luckily, Linda Battson Art does the hard part for me! She’s a Dallas-based artist who creates greeting cards (and so much more!) that focus on mental health! Her work is amazing!

What to Say When You Don’t Have the Words

Linda’s cards have the perfect words on the front, but she leaves the inside blank for you to use your own words. That can be intimidating, even for the best writers! I never force my writing as it almost always shows. Instead, I let it come to me slowly over time. This blog alone took me 3 days to write! 

But let’s say you’re in a hurry and need to send the card sooner rather than later. You might not have the right words, and that’s perfectly ok! The best cards just speak from the heart. You could start with something simple like this: “I might not understand what you’re going through, but just know I’m here if you need someone to listen.” Or you could say something that validates how they’re feeling: “I know you’re having a hard time right now and the way you feel is completely valid and I respect your emotions.” You don’t need to write a novel either. Something short and sweet is perfectly fine and simply reminds them that you’re there and you care.

Linda Battson Art also creates lovely stickers, frameable prints, and even notebooks if you’d want to send a little gift with your card! 

Special thanks to Linda for sponsoring this post and creating these cute prints! 

Explaining Your Anxiety to People Who Don’t Understand

Anxiety is… being excited for a new job but worried about driving to it.

Anxiety is… being afraid to be excited about something because then it might not happen.

Anxiety is… avoiding open spaces because you feel vulnerable.

Anxiety is… replaying a conversation in your head and thinking you said something dumb. 

Anxiety is so many things to many different people. Everyone experiences it in a unique way. However, explaining it to people who have never experienced it, at least long term, can be very difficult if not demoralizing at times. Some people are very understanding and others think “it’s all in your head” (thank you, Sherlock, I know it’s in my head but I still experience it!) So here’s how to explain your anxiety to people who don’t understand it. 

1. You Don’t Have to Explain It

Seriously, you don’t! Your health is no one else’s business but yours and your doctor’s. If you aren’t comfortable talking about it, then you don’t have to. People are so nosy nowadays. It always blows my mind what people think is okay to ask regarding someone’s health. No matter your condition (broken leg, expecting a baby, depression problems etc.) it’s no one’s business. Only you can decide to volunteer that information. 

Also, be careful who you choose to explain it to if you decide you want to. Some people really have no interest in changing their minds about certain topics and will dismiss you. Other people are know-it-all’s and will try to tell YOU what your problem is. Be choosy!

2. State the Obvious

Mental health problems like anxiety exist mostly in our minds. No one can really see them, therefore many people make flippant statements like “get over it” or “it’s all in your head.” Sometimes acknowledging that yes, your anxiety is “all in your head” (although we know anxiety can hurt us physically as well) but your mind has trouble differentiating reality from perceived threats, which makes daily living more of a challenge. You probably logically know that (insert threat here) is not likely to happen, but the anxious part of your mind is not able to register that threat as being dealt with. 

3. “Psychological Costs Outweigh Physical Benefits”

“Just stop worrying about…” If you have a particular anxiety disorder such as the fear of being in a crowd, then I highly recommend reading this article. It’s much more helpful than I can be when it comes to explaining situational anxiety! 

One situational form my anxiety often takes on is the fear of driving to a new place. I can’t just get in the car and drive. It seems so easy to put the car in drive and go where you need to, and sure, it would be very freeing if I could. But the mental toll of doing so is exhausting and even debilitating. Hours or even days of worrying about having to drive somewhere new does not outweigh the reward of actually getting to where I need to be. 

4. Explain Your Coping Techniques

Coping with a mental health disorder looks a little different for everyone. Some people may run or exercise, others may overeat, and so on and so forth. However you typically cope with your anxiety, share that with your audience. Explain why sometimes you need to do the thing you do to cope. 

Sometimes my husband asks why I walk back and forth from one room to another. I remind him that this is just my anxiety releasing. It helps to walk around a bit sometimes and let myself think. Explaining your “strange” habits can give them helpful insight into your coping. 

5. Explain the Goals You Have for Your Anxiety 

Always try to put a positive spin on it and share the goals you have for dealing with your anxiety. It might be something simple like starting a daily worry journal. Or it might be driving to a new place once a week. Whatever your goals are share them! Better yet, ask for help or encouragement! Involving the other person in your journey can help them better understand where you are, what causes your anxiety, and how you’re hoping to improve it. 

Please leave a comment with your ideas on how to explain anxiety! Share what’s worked for you!

20 Self-Care Ideas You Can Do at Home

It’s been a long month already and it’s only the second week of April! While we’ve been stuck at home, I’ve been thinking of all the little things I can do to take care of myself and I thought I’d share some with you. Keeping tabs on your mental health and how you feel inside and out is really important right now. So here are some things you can do to take care of yourself right now. And no, none of them involve working out!

1. Deep breathing- Sit down on your yoga mat and just breathe. Listen to calming music. Pray. Whatever works for you!
2. Drink some fruit juice- Squeeze your own or pour it from the bottle, a little Vitamin C boosts your immunity and just tastes good!
3. Write in your journal- Share thoughts, concerns, feelings. Get it out on paper.
4. Take a hot shower- Take your time and exfoliate your skin!
5. Watch a movie- We’ve all been doing that a lot lately, but choose a movie YOU really want to watch and enjoy it
6. Make a comfort meal- Everyone has a go-to comfort meal. Mine is pizza!
7. Call someone you love- I call my mom every day, but call whoever gives you the most hope and peace!
8. Make your bed- Some people love to have a made bed, others don’t care. Take some time to change the sheets and fluff the pillows!
9. Sit in the sun- Even if its cold, fresh air and sunshine are wonderful for your mind. Spend some time outside in your yard or on your patio.
10. Make a list- Write down your hopes and dreams or maybe all the restaurants you want to go to when the pandemic is over!
11.  Turn off the phone- Our phones can be a huge mental health drain. Get some screen-free time and turn yours off!
12.  Create a vision board- Tear through old magazines and cut out things you see that inspire you!
13.  Spend time with your pet- Cuddle up to your fur baby to help release endorphins (the feel good brain chemical!)
14.  Dress up- When you’re stuck at home, it’s easy to want to wear sweatpants all day. Put on a favorite outfit and give yourself a mental boost!
15.  Perform a random act of kindness- Doing nice things for other people can lift you up as well! 
16.  Declutter- Go through your home and get rid of things you simply don’t need. Donate items to a local shelter or thrift store!
17.  Try a new craft- Learn how to pour candles, paint an old piece of furniture, or even make soap! 
18.  Paint your nails- Find a lively color that makes you happy!
19.  Rewatch a tv series- We all have one that makes us laugh and feel good. Watch your favorite tv series again!
20.  Make a mental health appointment- Speaking with a professional who can help you care for your mental health can be awesome. If the cost is hindering you, consider looking into psychology programs at universities where graduate students need to get practice (under instructor supervision of course). 

Self-care means different things to everyone, but checking in with your mind, body, and spirit is the heart of your well-being. Take care of yourself and others!

What to Expect for Mental Health in April

Hey everyone! March was certainly a month no one could have predicted and it’s left all of us reeling wondering what’s to come in April. Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers to that but, I can tell you what you might expect for your mental health! Hint: it’ll be ups and downs as usual. The spring and changes in daylight apparently do a number on our bodies and minds.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I’m sharing what I’ve researched and my own experiences with you! Always do your own research and speak with a mental health expert!

20 Activities To Do During Self-Quarantine

Hey everyone, how are you holding up? Since last Saturday, I’ve pretty much spent every single night in bed watching tv and coloring a cat-themed coloring book (don’t judge, it’s awesome). But I’m finally at my wit’s end with my sedentary lifestyle. I NEED something to do, which inspired this post.

Next to the virus itself, mental health is my biggest concern right now. Not just for myself though, but for everyone! I like a relaxing weekend spent at home just as much as anyone else does, but it is not human nature to keep ourselves isolated from others for weeks on end. Isolation, or “social distancing” as we’re calling it, usually leads straight to depression. If you already suffer from poor mental health like I do, you’re going to need to find things to do to keep your body and mind active.

20 Things to do While You’re Stuck at Home

1. Organize your closet! Donate things you don’t wear and create a closet system that works
2. Learn to make candles! It’s easier than you think and it’s very relaxing (I wrote a blog on this!)
3. Try a new fitness app! Tone It Up is offering free access right now to their platform
4. Start composting! Since we’re all cooking at home a bit more, it’s a great time to start composting your food waste.
5. Plant an herb garden! I ordered some self-watering herb pots on Amazon the other day (link here!) and planted some cilantro and basil. It’s growing in my kitchen on the window sill!
6. Clean out the linen closet! They get so messy and chances are you probably have some towels in there they have seen better days. Reorganize everything and donate old towels and blankets to animal shelters.
7. Start spring cleaning! Just get it done with so you can feel accomplished and be ready for the warm days ahead.
8. Go for a walk around the neighborhood! It’s basic, but getting outside is going to be pretty important to your mental health.
9. Try a new recipe! I bought ingredients a few weeks ago to make cake pops so that’s going to be new recipe to try.
10. Get really good at manicures! I usually do my nails super fast and they look like it. Take your time and actually give yourself a good manicure.
11. Rewatch your favorite sitcom! Seinfeld, Friends, The Office etc. Pop some popcorn!
12. Clean out your car! Let’s be honest- most of us leave straw wrappers and old napkins in the cup holders. Go clean it out and maybe even vacuum if you’re feeling crazy.
13. Learn Excel! Or another technical skill that can make you more valuable to employers.
14. Do some yard work! Trim back the bushes, weed out flower beds, and lay some fresh mulch. Yard work is something most of us put off but its a good workout and your lawn (and neighbors) will thank you!
15. Start your ancestry research! This is a super time consuming and interesting hobby that takes a lot of work but offers a big return. Now’s a great time to get started on your research!
16. Learn calligraphy! You can find beginners calligraphy kits online and there are quite a few YouTube videos on how to get started!
17. Write a letter to an older family member! Snail mail isn’t something millennials and Gen Zers are used to but older family members still love it, and frankly, you might too.
18. Plan your next trip! Quarantine won’t last forever. Start planning where you might like to go and what you would want to do.
19. Reorganize your kitchen cabinets! The spice cabinets, tupperware drawers, and junk drawer could probably use your attention.
20. Eat dinner outside! My favorite restaurants always have outdoor seating. Take your dinner outside to your patio or even throw down a blanket in the grass. String up some twinkle lights and turn on some Louis Armstrong for a date night vibe!