It's not May, but lets talk mental health

Well, it’s finally getting cold out. I enjoy this weather because I get to wear layers, and I love me some layers. What I am discovering is I love the cold, but I don’t like being cold, which is a weird oxymoron, I know. I love the cold because I get to wear layers and I don’t feel like dying when I walk outside. But with the cold comes my dislike for being cold. I don’t know if it's a woman thing, but I feel like I’m always cold. My hands are always freezing and I can’t go anywhere without socks on. But that means I get to wear my favorite sweatshirt and sweatpants and cuddle up in a blanket, so that’s a win. 

This week I would like to talk about mental health. I know that mental health awareness month is in May, but now that we are well into school, I have been witnessing a lot of people struggling with mental health. 

Now I know that a lot of readers might not struggle with mental health related to the stresses of school or classes, but mental health is something we should all take care of, no matter the causes or stressors. 

I took free therapy in Spain, and while it destroyed me, it was helpful in trying to start to figure out who I am and how I work and why I do things. The University offers therapy, but I’ve heard from people that took it that it’s not great because these people are swarmed with appointments and students needing help. One of the girls I work with at the school’s newspaper drives to Wisconsin for therapy because of insurance reasons (she’s from Wisconsin). 

I told a customer at the bar once that I wish everyone had the opportunity to go to therapy and would take that opportunity if they did. She heartily disagreed, saying she was forced to go to therapy as a child to deal with her parents’ divorce, and she did not like it at all. Now, she despises the thought of going to therapy. I also think that’s valid. While I think therapy might work for me, it doesn’t work for everyone. Others might find “therapy” or support in friends, family, mentors. It doesn’t have to be from a therapist. I guess I just hope that everyone has someone they trust to talk to, because that’s an important part of being human. 

One of my other friends knows she has things to work on for herself, like the fact that she cares too much for people and stretches herself too thin trying to help everyone, but she chooses to suffer and help people versus saving herself and helping less people. I commend her for it, but she worries me sometimes. 

The way people choose to deal with their personal problems is different for everyone. There are some who choose to make themselves too busy in order to not have time to process their emotions. Others might turn to alcohol. Some might isolate themselves. It is up to the beholder to deal with their own problems. Emotions are difficult. 

I just hope everyone has ways to cope and help them through the tough times, because we all deserve to have support when times get tough. 

On a lighter note, the Gopher men’s hockey season has started, so that’s a win. I am playing in the pep band for their games again and I’m so excited. We’re going to make it to the frozen four, baby! Oh, and I guess the Twins are doing well too or something. The Vikings not so much, and I can tell because my fantasy team has been hurting a bit. Have to love being a Minnesota sports fan. 

My Determination: “Just because you put syrup on something don't make it pancakes.” - Shawn Spencer, Psych