We often overlook minor things in life. We didn't realize the importance of something until it was gone, and how much better we could have managed it if it had been with us. One of these things is mental health. The stigma around mental health persists because some individuals are still afraid to talk about it. Some folks generally don't give a damn about their mental health. Mental illness is still the "elephant in the room" in homes, at work, and at school. We're aware of the problem but prefer to remain silent about it.

I've often wondered why people are so scared to speak up about something that we can all connect to and about which we should all be deeply worried. Nowadays, one of the most common problems we see ordinary Americans face is dealing with mental health difficulties. You don't have to be diagnosed with a mental health issue to recognize that managing it is difficult for you. Stress, frustration, worry, and other mental agonies can alter how we live, behave, think, and feel about other people, places, and things. Some people put off taking care of their mental health since it's a subject that calls for them to sit down and be mindful of their feelings and thoughts. We try to escape these feelings or ideas by using other people, locations, or objects, which makes the situation worse.

Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, OCD, sadness, bipolar disorder, mood disruption disorders, phobias, eating disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other mental health diseases are just a few examples. Numerous things can lead to mental health issues. Factors to take into account include genetics and family history, life experiences, unresolved negative emotions (stress, guilt, shame, etc.), exposure to pregnancy, medical issues, loneliness, difficulty with abandonment, childhood trauma, and history of abuse. How is the most crucial question? How do you handle these issues? What initiatives or services can we create and offer to the broader public to solve these problems? How do we raise consciousness?

When does mental health get a lot of attention?

Mental health is sometimes utilized as a "get out of jail free" card." Many tragic cases in which people claim mental illness as a justification for their awful, inhumane behavior are seen and heard. News of mass shootings in schools, supermarkets, movie theaters, and other public areas where children and adults congregate are examples. We frequently witness footage of a "shooter" who has had a mental health crisis or has been diagnosed with a disease. In my opinion, where is the history of our communities or, more significantly, parents advocating for services that can help manage the mental health issue of concern? If this is the case, which it is? The question is what you've done to guarantee that the problem is correctly handled, and what efforts you've taken to avoid a scenario like this from escalating. After that, what happens? There's more to dealing with a mental health issue than popping pills. We need to delve deeper and create approaches that are healthful, self-paced, and provide long-term benefits. On the other hand, some people are having difficulty managing their mental health difficulties and are looking for services that will help them.

Let's take a closer look at mental health in the US. Mental health was always common before the coronavirus epidemic, and the incidence of mental illnesses has been steadily increasing. The mental health of adults and children is deteriorating, according to an online American mental health database. In comparison to the 9.1% reported the previous year, 9.7% of our youth in the United States are depressed. Adults are having more suicidal thoughts than ever before. Between 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, the number of people in the United States who had serious suicidal thoughts increased by 0.15 percent, or 460,000 people, compared to the previous year's numbers.

There is still a scarcity of mental health treatment for both children and adults. During the 2017-2018 school year, 60 percent of children with severe depression received no mental health treatment. Over 38% of people do not obtain the mental health care they require, even in the states with the best availability. Only 27.3 percent of children with severe depression received treatment regularly. 23.6 percent of adults with mental disorders reported unmet treatment needs in 2017-2018. This figure has stayed constant since 2011. The number of people with mental illnesses who are uninsured has grown for the first time since the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In the United States, there are 5.1 million uninsured adults.

Lastly, although there are programs that promote mental health and wellness, we need to push for more. Initiatives for mental health and wellness should be incorporated into the curriculum. Hospitals, community centers, and other organizations that work with people should offer mental health services.

Happy Monday!

Gratitude Is the Attitude

Creatively Blogging
2 min read

Are you expressing your gratitude? That term is frequently mentioned, yet many individuals struggle to genuinely understand what it means to be grateful.

Well, what does gratitude mean? and why does it matter? According to Oxford, gratitude is a positive emotion that involves feeling thankful and appreciative for something or someone. It can begin with being grateful for the small things, such as clean air, water, a home, your job, and the list goes on indefinitely, like the square root of pi.

The American Heart Association states that showing gratitude is essential for well-being as it positively impacts both physical and mental health. Showing appreciation can lead to better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, improved cardiovascular health, and a stronger immune system. It also fosters positive emotions, enhances social connections, and promotes a more optimistic outlook on life.

So, how often are you showing gratitude? Like love, is it conditional or unconditional? If you're not, how can you become more grateful? What type of things are you grateful for? We all share this fault, not expressing enough gratitude; as humans, we become so focused on desiring and pursuing more that we overlook appreciating even the tiniest and easiest things. Even during difficult times, and as life can be uplifting, since life encompasses both the good and the bad, the ability to find some positivity amidst negativity. Perhaps it was a lesson you needed, a realization to awaken, a reminder of what truly matters and what doesn’t, what you can control versus what you cannot. Gratitude is essential as it improves general well-being, fosters relationships, and encourages a positive perspective on life. It can enhance mental and physical well-being, increase resilience, and alleviate stress. Engaging in gratitude entails concentrating on the positive elements of life, valuing what you possess, and recognizing the beneficial aspects of your connections.

2025 had a rocky start, but every year does; it's part of life and the human experience. Yes, some years, or even seasons, are more turbulent than others, but still being grateful for the opportunity that is present to you, which is a chance to start over. Every year brings fresh obstacles and some suffering; certain individuals have lost their lives under terrible conditions. Employees who lose their lives while working, as well as children and adults who have perished due to natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and destructive fires. The capacity to go away and come back home peacefully is a valuable blessing often overlooked. We must never assume these things are guaranteed. Learn to appreciate what you possess, not because you shouldn't desire more, but because there are always others facing tougher situations.

According to positive psychology, some examples of gratitude are:

Be grateful to the person who prepared your meal.
Gratitude for your good health.
Take the time to thank the person who cleans your house or watches your kids.
Recognize your coworker for taking the initiative to lighten your load.
Being grateful for the independence you provide to yourself.
Being grateful for the growth you have made.

Happy Self-Care Sunday!

Dance and Your Mental Health

Creatively Blogging
4 min read

Even though May was designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual effort in May to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote understanding and assistance for those affected, mental health remains a subject deserving of our ongoing attention. Reducing the stigma requires more than a month to emphasize its significance. It's a time to encourage open conversations about mental health, educate the public on mental health issues, and advocate for policies that support mental health services.

Mental health conditions are acknowledged and unacknowledged problems that affect a person's thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions. Some of these may include, but are not limited to, the following: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that mental health is vital throughout all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. Our mental wellness includes our emotional, psychological, and social health. Maintaining mental health and stability is vital, as this element of our development affects our thoughts, feelings, and actions towards ourselves and others.

Did You Know?

Artistic pursuits, such as music, dance, and visual arts, can significantly enhance mental well-being by providing a channel for expressing emotions, reducing stress, and fostering deeper social connections. Various creative activities, such as painting, music, and theater, can help people cope with difficult emotions, trauma, and mental health challenges. Dance, specifically, can alleviate negative feelings, promote mindfulness, boost self-expression, and support overall wellness. Dance lessons for children and adults are seen as a prevalent pursuit that helps develop mindfulness, emotional stability, and self-expression.

Here are several advantages that dance offers for your mental health:

Produces Uplifting Chemicals - Dancing encourages the production of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which are brain chemicals that enhance feelings of joy, pleasure, and alleviate stress.
Enhances Mood and Lowers Anxiety - The expressive qualities and rhythmic motions of dance can elevate mood, divert attention from negative feelings, and alleviate anxiety.
Boosts Self-Confidence and Body Image - Dancing enhances body awareness, coordination, and self-assurance favorably.
Offers Social Engagement - Participating in group classes or dancing with friends enhances social bonds, alleviates loneliness, and boosts interpersonal abilities.
Enhances Cognitive Abilities - The memory, coordination, and problem-solving skills involved in dancing can improve cognitive abilities and brain wellness.
Encourages Emotional Control - Dancing can serve as a healing means for conveying and managing feelings, alleviating emotional turmoil, and enhancing emotional control.
Lowers Depression and Various Mental Health Issues - Research indicates that dancing can serve as a beneficial therapy for depression, anxiety, and various mental health issues.

Dancing as a Means of Self-Care:

Self-care is crucial for maintaining good mental health and overall wellness. It involves actively meeting your emotional, physical, and social needs. This includes actions such as practicing mindfulness, prioritizing sleep, engaging in physical activity, and fostering healthy relationships. Including dance in a self-care regimen can greatly enhance both mental and physical health. Dancing offers an enjoyable and efficient way to work out, alleviate stress, improve your mood, and develop social skills.

Incorporate Dance into a Self-Care Practice:

Select Your Preference - Explore various dance styles, ranging from ballet and ecstatic dance to hip-hop, social dance, and tap, to discover what resonates with you.
Discover Your Beat - Enjoy your favorite tunes and dance freely, or join a class to master a choreography.
Establish a Routine - Include dance in your routine, whether it’s a daily practice or a weekly session.
Be courageous, there's no need to hesitate in trying new things. Experiment with various dance styles or dance challenges to maintain enjoyment and interest.
Your health - Pay attention to your body, rest when necessary, and acknowledge your achievements.

Dance as a Method of Emotional Self-Care:

Engage with Your Emotions - Utilize dance to convey your emotions, be it through spontaneous movements or organized sequences.
Cultivate Thankfulness - Recognize and value the physical and emotional advantages of dancing.
Enhance Self-Assurance - As you dance, you will feel an increase in confidence regarding your physical skills as well as in social interactions.
Discover a Community - Think about enrolling in a dance class or group to meet others who share your interests and enthusiasm for dance.

Overall, dancing is a fun and accessible way to improve mental health by releasing feel-good hormones, reducing stress, boosting self-esteem, encouraging social connections, and enhancing cognitive and emotional well-being. Dance has existed for thousands of years, and many people take pleasure in expressing themselves and maintaining fitness through imaginative body movement. Up to 10 million Americans have engaged in a class or danced at a studio. Having grown up in a challenging home, I discovered comfort and a way to express myself through dance. My enthusiasm for art and dance has always been a driving force in my life. I possess experience in dance therapy, introductory hip-hop, guided meditation, and tap dancing. I strongly believe that safeguarding the arts is essential, as they will help us move forward, just as they have aided me. Dance for fun at home or with friends!

So let's dance.