Extra Post for World Mental Health Day: You are the SELF

I read on social media today, so it must be true, that it's World Mental Health Day. Even if it isn't, it's certainly the case that caring for our mental health is as important as caring for our physical health. These days it feels more important than ever.

The conversation I am having regularly these days, both vocationally and with friends and family, is about anxiety over all the things. The news feeds stories of them to us like we are a hungry person and they are potato chips. Natural disasters, the election, the rise of hate, war, the weather, the economy, climate change, the rise of hate (it bears repeating). And so, dear ones, we must do with the news what we do with food....moderate our intake. We know when we've eaten too much, our stomachs hurt and we are filled with regret. I feel the same way when I watch too much of the news! Maybe you do, too.

But it's addictive, watching the newsreels and then listening to the talking heads sit around the desk and shout their opinions at each other. When I'm tired, it's especially easy to let this be my default activity and say that it's so I can keep up with current events.

My best advice to myself and to anyone else who is feeling this way is to set a limit to the news you watch or read or scroll through. A daily limit. If something major happens, you'll know about it eventually, even if you aren't checking every thirty minutes. Then identify specifically what you can do instead of reading or watching news. Go for a walk or read a book or finish that needlework project you've been working on for over a year (okay, that's just me). Listen to music or call a friend or talk to the person who lives in your house about something besides the news.

And remember, you are the self in self-care. Your well being matters to all of us and to this world we are all frantically worrying over. Self care is more than a long soak in the tub, (although it can certainly be a long soak in the tub). If you need the support of a professional, seek that out. (Reminder: your pastor is there for your spiritual care; most of us are not trained mental health counselors or life coaches). A good therapist, spiritual director, and/or coach can make a huge difference. Ask yourself what you need. It's expensive and can be overwhelming to engage all three at once, so determine what your mind, body, and spirit need right now. Your pastor CAN likely help you with some referrals.

Treat yourself with the same care and compassion that you show others. May your self talk be gentle and intentional and careful. Remind yourself daily that you've survived every single thing you've encountered so far. We all have. We even survived 2017-2021.

We will get through all of this too.*

And then do the small things that just ease the day - the bath or doing the crossword or starting a jigsaw puzzle or scrolling through Pinterest (oops, that's me again). Meet a friend for coffee or tea or eat one of the things that satisfies your craving.

To quote my dear mother in law and Bob Marley, every little thing's gonna be alright.

*If life feels too difficult, please do not suffer alone. We need you here. You can call 988 or me for help. You are so loved.