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Mental Wellness is a Verb. Take Action.

By Kristen Schoolcraft Campos, PMHNP, MSN, MSW

More people are talking about wellness and recognizing the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of wellness. This can be great. People may be more comfortable discussing mental wellness with friends and family. This can offer additional support during times of struggle and encouragement for self-care. Friends make supportive comments “don’t let your mental health take a back seat!.” With all the positive intentions of encouraging you to take care of yourself.


Your Brain is in the Driver’s Seat


This can be great advice for someone feeling increased stress or worry. Maybe not the greatest advice for a friend dealing with something more. A friend who knows all too well mental wellness is a verb. Something they spend a tremendous amount of energy and time working towards. For some their mental health is always in the driver's seat. They try diligently to co-pilot in a certain direction but in the end their brain decides the destination. They are Siri telling their brain to reroute, wrong way, reroute, until they finally start on the right path again.


Wellness Takes Action


You see this supportive friend doesn’t understand her friend has a mental disorder. Her friend’s brain is different from hers. Chemicals in her brain may be under or overproduced. Genetically she may have a predisposition for some disorders, or maybe she has past trauma she has not shared. She routinely sees a therapist, takes prescription medications, practices good sleep hygiene, eats well, and exercises. She has learned all the ways to promote her mental wellness and that her wellness is an ongoing process. She knows wellness takes action.


Keep Taking Action


The friends are in agreement that mental wellness is important. One friend may not have experienced the brain taking the wheel or understand the strength and determination needed to stay on the right path. Maybe one day she will understand. Until then, know I do see you. I see your strength. I see your struggles and triumphs. I see your determination and grit. Keep taking action.


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