Dear Reader,
Mental health is a topic very near and dear to my heart. I've struggled my whole life with depression, anxiety, PTSD, an eating disorder, and (disclaimer) suicidal ideation. I've been hospitalized, in residential programs, outpatient programs, in-person therapy, telehealth therapy, and am still on my journey of finding what (if any) medications will help me.
2023 was a paramount year for my mental illnesses. I'll spare you the gruesome details, but it ended up leading me on a path to finally, yes finally, take charge of my mental health.
While being hospitalized and in-and-out of various programs this last year, I met and connected with so many other individuals also struggling with their mental health. I was surprised to hear how many of my peers did not have the support of their friends or families, or that their mental health issues were trivialized by their families and friends. The stigma surrounding mental health is powerful. I could see the hurt and longing in their eyes. Listening to their stories was heartbreaking. Hearing how the lack of support they received inhibited them from either seeking help or how it exacerbated their issues inciting more anxiety and depression.
I do not have a large group of close friends, and I have no biological family members around anymore, but I am still lucky enough to have a support system that has very generously helped me through this last year. Since I lost my parents years ago, I have always been jealous and bitter of those around me whom I hear complain about their parents or take them for granted. The loss of my mom and dad are two of the main reasons I struggle so hard with my mental health. If they were alive, I know that they would be supportive of me. So to hear from so many of my peers, young and old, that their parents, siblings, children, or friends are dismissive or unsympathetic confused and saddened me.
And that got me thinking...
I decided that I wanted to do something about it.
One night back in November after I had been kicked out of my latest Intensive Outpatient Program due to insurance bullshit (ahem), I started drawing postcard after postcard, each one inspired by a particular moment or struggle I've had, or a fellow psyko has had, in regards to our mental health. Why postcards? Because they encourage connection and conversation between one person and another. They are personal, and are often treasured for years. The COVID pandemic brought us back to the grassroots of communication, and pen pals have made a revival ("yay," says my inner child who had multiple pen pals.) However, that same pandemic also increased mental health issues around the world.
With so many of us suffering with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, why not come together to support each other?! Even if we live on the other side of the world from one another, we can send postcards to let our loved ones know we love and support them. You don't even need to just support your loved ones, maybe you know a coworker that seems down a lot, or your friends' friend is going through a hard time...a simple gesture of support can go a very long way.
This is just the start of the Psyko Post journey, and my journey towards positive mental health. My hope is to connect humans to other humans, and to hopefully create some smiles along the way. I encourage you to contact me if you want to talk about your mental health journey. (Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional and will never act as such!) But I am open to relate to one another as we could peer-to-peer, like if we were in a group therapy setting.
If you're reading this, thank you for your part in the conversation. I look forward to finally trying to take charge, speak out, and support all of you and the mental health community.
'Til next time,
-kristen [Head Psyko}