Off Topic: Mental Health Awareness and Breaking the Stigma

**Trigger warning** We discuss bipolar depression and how it affects daily life, and how there is a stigma around it. "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." Bipolar depression is manageable with medication, therapy, and so much more. Not to say that it isn't a struggle because it is like a roller coaster: Some up days and some days that are so low you can't get out of bed. Many people live with this, however, there is a stigma around it that is quite damaging to those who struggle. Many people believe that mental illness isn't real, but in reality, it is as real as any other illness, and just because the naked eye can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there.  Acceptance, compassion, and support are huge factors that we can all take part in, no matter the circumstance, to help others who may be struggling.  Thank you for listening, Carolynn

*Trigger warning* Intrusive thoughts & anxiety In this episode, I take the time to check in with myself and how I am doing. I share coping tricks and tips that I have learned that may be something you want to try.  Please take care of yourself; for me, I focus on others more than myself, so having a grasp of my emotions and how to keep them under control, is something that I continue to work on. No matter what, your feelings are valid. Thanks for Listening, Carolynn

Anxiety isn't one-size-fits-all. It can look different on everyone. Anxiety could be having panic attacks, it could be looking fine on the outside and drowning on the inside, it could be anything in between and beyond. What we talk about in this episode could resonate with people or be completely different. We can only speak from our own experiences, so anything said in this podcast know that we are only speaking from our own personal journies, and it could be miles away from what others feel. No matter what, all our feelings are valid.  I apologize for the poor microphone quality I will work on that next time, this is all still new for me. Thank you.

Mental Health is Health, so when we don't take the time to take care of ourselves it can have detrimental effects on our mind and body. This podcast is aimed at opening up the discussion of mental health and breaking the stigma against it.  Did you know that 1 in 4 struggle with their mental health? With this number in mind, it makes it even more of a pressing issue that isn't talked about. It is important to break the stigma against mental health because when we open the discussion people who struggle feel less alone, government spending on facilities that help those struggling with mental health, and it makes it less of a touchy subject.  Today's positive affirmation: You are not a burden. You are loved. You are enough. Be kind to others because you never know what someone is going through. If you are currently facing any mental or emotional crises here are some resources: -National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline: 1-800-273-8255 -Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741 -National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST to answer your general questions about mental health issues and treatment options. You can get information on mental health services in your area and learn how to help a loved one find treatment: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)