Why daily mental health awareness is so important
For yourself:
Early detection and intervention: Regularly assessing your emotional state can help you notice potential issues like stress, burnout, or anxiety before they escalate into more severe problems.
Enhanced self-awareness: Checking in helps you understand your triggers, coping mechanisms, and emotional patterns. This self-awareness is a powerful tool for emotional regulation.
Improved quality of life: By addressing emotional needs, you can manage stress, maintain healthy relationships, and increase your overall happiness and resilience.
Connects to physical health: A person's mental and physical health are deeply intertwined. Poor mental health can affect physical well-being and vice versa.
For friends and family:
Strengthens relationships: Checking in shows that you care and can strengthen social connections, which in turn offers a buffer against depression and other health problems.
Fosters open communication: Normalizing conversations about mental health can reduce stigma and create a supportive environment where people feel comfortable opening up.
Identifies warning signs: Consistent check-ins can help you spot subtle changes in a loved one's behavior or mood, allowing you to offer support when it's most needed.
How to check in with yourself
Reflect on your emotions: Ask yourself, "How am I feeling today, really?" or "What's been on my mind lately?".
Identify sources of joy: Take a moment to think about what's bringing you happiness. This can help shift your perspective toward gratitude.
Consider your body's needs: Your physical state is connected to your mental state. Ask yourself if you need rest, movement, or better nutrition.
Practice mindfulness: Exercises like journaling or breathing techniques can help you stay present and connected to your inner state.
Track your mood: Keep a simple journal to track your moods over time. This can reveal patterns and triggers.
How to check in with friends and family
Ask specific questions: Avoid vague questions like "Are you okay?" Instead, try "I've noticed you've been a little quiet lately. Is everything alright?" or "What's been on your mind this week?".
Use "I" statements: Frame your concerns around your feelings, which can prevent them from feeling defensive. For example, "I've missed seeing you. Is everything okay?".
Be a good listener: Create a space for them to talk without judgment. Your goal is to listen and empathize, not to fix their problems.
Offer specific help: Rather than saying, "Let me know if you need anything," offer concrete assistance, such as, "Can I bring over dinner this week?".
Check in consistently: Even a simple text like "Thinking of you" can remind them that you are there for them.
Know when to seek professional help: Your support is crucial, but sometimes a person needs professional care. You can offer to help them find resources or share information about therapy.
In a crisis, do not hesitate to seek immediate help. You can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

That's a throw way back

By the looks of those vehicles…not too many 😂

Absolutely! Had Don’s Barbershop 💈 and the Dollar Day became George’s Saw Shop! There’s a thread on the Fairbanks The Golden Heart of Alaska group!

Where was this? Born and raised in Fairbanks 1982. Looks to be way before then.

Logic

Truth!

If the earth was flat we we would see individuals falling off it. People would accidently drive off the edge.