I Missed Celebrating World Mental Health Day – Here’s Why

 

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Last week, so many of you celebrated World Mental Health Day. Honestly, I didn’t even know it was a thing, but if I did know it was a thing, I still probably would have glossed over it. Why? Because last week I was in a total funk (as I call it). I’ve shared with you all some of my own personal mental health struggles and ways to overcome them, but some days (and weeks) are just harder than others.

I’m a happy mom, but I’m not always smiling. Sometimes it’s challenging for me to find the energy to get through the day and do it with a huge smile on my face. That’s my truth.

I push myself a lot, maybe sometimes more than I should. I run about 4 times a week because it just gives me mental clarity. It’s the one and only moment in my day where I’m absolutely forced to think about nothing besides not stopping until I get to the next mailbox. And then the next mailbox. Which is also pretty comparable to my every day of getting through breakfast, then nap time and so on. Some days whiz by, while others are just different.

I think that part of it has to do with working in the creative role that I do every day. It’s sort of a weird, cyclical thing that happens to me. I want to generate content that is above all, relatable and of value to you all. So I’ll think. I’ll think really hard. And then I get lost in those thoughts and jot down ideas whether I’m at the grocery store or up in the middle of the night. I pitch those ideas to brands that I work with regularly or produce them on my own and while I’m getting my game plan together behind the scenes, (because it takes time to photograph, write and create content) I sort of go into a creative funk – needing a break of sorts before the next cool idea can pour out of me.

And then I kinda disappear for a little bit.

My brain is always spinning and I live so much in my head. Always thinking. Always planning. And lately, I’ve really been struggling with turning that off.

So, I finally went to the doctor.

I also finally got a physical for the first time in years (hellooooo self care). I explained all of this to him and he casually told me that I must be really successful because he thinks that all really successful people have a bit of this anxiety and perfectionism swirling through their brains at all time. I’ll happily take that definition of success, I thought. For real, though, I could relate. I take a great deal of pride in this business and motherhood and being a wife – but thank goodness for post-it notes and planners because keeping everything and everyone organized is not for the faint of heart!

So I finally decided to start an anti-anxiety medication to help calm me down a bit.

My body is still getting used to it, and it will probably be at least 30 more days before everything levels out, but so far so good.

Why Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Matters

My point though is that I sometimes miss things because of my anxiety. And if you have similar struggles, I know that you do, too.

Sometimes I just shut down and am unable to post that cute picture on social media because my brain is moving too fast for me to even put together the words for the caption. Sometimes scrolling through Instagram and comparing my sleepless nights and constant arguments with Branden as he gets ready for school with the beautiful images I see is too much to bear.

I’m a work in progress, but think this is something incredibly important to continue discussing. It’s also important to point out that people struggling with depression and anxiety wear so many different faces. They aren’t always crying, most of the time they look like me. Smiling. It’s important for us to try to be as in tune with that as possible.

More posts about mental health:

• Self Love Affirmations to Live By
• What I Learned About Self Care That Changed My Life
• Self Care Strategies for Every Woman
• What’s in My Mental Health Toolbox
• The Ultimate Guide to Essential Oils
• 17 Almost Effortless Ways to Practice Self Care Everyday 

 

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This is 32…and you know what? I’ll happily take it! I’ve been disconnecting from social for a few days because I just needed a break. We visited my sister’s family in Ohio this past weekend to celebrate my nephews birthday and I felt so at peace there – I can’t wait to move our family there. I got the sweetest birthday gifts delivered from my husband over the weekend, Blake has been singing “happy birthday you you” to me all day and I got to gobble down birthday pasta and lemon merange pie tonight – I truly feel so loved ❤️

A post shared by Allison Cooper (@projectmotherhood) on Oct 15, 2018 at 6:02pm PDT

And I also turned 32 yesterday. It was hard celebrating a birthday being away from Chris, but he sent the sweetest gifts and messages and I feel so loved. He’s my rock and always gets me through any hard times and I know that our whole family balance is a bit off right now, but I’m so excited to start planning our next move.

And, finally, happy world mental health day. Whether you struggle with mental issues or not, it’s so important to think about those who do as they navigate their every day.

XOXO,

Allison