Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'mental health awareness'.
-
Well. It's that time of year again. Somehow. AP testing! :DDD Just kidding. As some of you may know, for the last four years I've posted a thread around May 1st for mental health awareness month. In this thread I discuss some of my reasons for this being important to me, and encourage people to change their profile picture green for the month. So... Yeah. Mental illness is really prevalent in my family, and honestly, in many of the communities I'm a part of, including this one. I know many many people to whom mental illness is a defining factor in their lives. This includes everything from depression to OCD to eating disorders. And it's affected my life in ways that I can't even really explain. For me, personally, I've dealt with some depression, anxiety (mostly social anxiety), and constant derealization. However, I've also learned that I'm aroace and on the autism spectrum (and I'm diagnosed now!!!) and finding these key parts of my identity has been so incredibly helpful for my mental health. I'm doing very well, and have been for a while now. However, so many people are really really struggling. For many people each new day is just a new battle. I know a lot of these people, and I love many of them very dearly. And there are even more who I don't know. You are not alone. I invite anyone who feels comfortable to share their experiences. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, just know that you aren't alone, and that there are people here who are willing to support you. And even if you aren't dealing with any mental illness, remember to take care of yourself and your needs. You are important too. I'd also like to invite anyone who wants to change their pfp to something green, as green is the color for mental health awareness. Each and every one of you is loved and appreciated, even if it doesn't feel like it. Happy mental health awareness month! Side note: although often during this month the focus is on mental illness, feel free to ask me any questions about autism. Autism is not a mental illness, it is a developmental disorder (although I don't particularly like that wording either), as is ADHD. People who have either or both of these are known as being neurodivergent. I've done extensive research on autism, especially on how it presents differently in AFAB than AMAB people, and I'd be more than willing to answer any questions. I know that there are some green versions of the old 17th Shard logo floating around from previous years, and we could probably make some for the new logo as well. I can also change the color of symbols and the things such as that if anyone would like. THIS IS THE LINK TO THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE'S WEBSITE. Please do not hesitate to reach out through a call or text. These people are trained to help people in crisis, and can point you towards more long-term resources. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/