It’s World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world & to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

It is a great reminder that it’s ok to not be ok.

I believe mental health matters not only today, but everyday as our mental health is just as important as our physical health!

We must remember to be compassionate towards ourselves and as remember that the way we talk to ourselves really does matter. We need to choose to prioritize ourselves.

People all around us have mental health issues (one in four people to be exact) 💁🏼‍♀️

The World Mental Health Day 2021 theme for this year is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ focusing on reducing the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’.

This gap is growing wider with time and the pandemic. There is continuing unmet need in the care of individuals with mental health problems.

If you were lucky enough to have access to help and care, take advantage of it. There are so many people around the globe who do not have the same luxury.

Its important to give yourself more grace and find a workplace that is truly supportive and good for your well-being.

We need to get to a point where people don’t feel ashamed to say they have a mental health issue, and where employers treat employees with mental health illness the same way they treat someone with a cold or a broken leg.

Why can’t people say they have an appointment with their primary care doctor without fear of being judged, but this lack of fear does not apply when it comes to mental health professionals?

How do we break the stigma around mental health illnesses?

1 – Talk openly about mental health
2 – Educate yourself and others
3 – Show compassion
4 – Choose empowerment over shame
5 – Encourage equality between physical and mental illness
6 – Be conscious of your language
7 – Be kind

I fight stigma by choosing to live an empowered life. To me, that means not being ashamed of dealing with a mental health issue and sharing my story.

This global pandemic has not been easy on any of us. It has never been more important to ensure that workplaces are safe places by creating an inclusive culture where people are supported through mental health challenges, rather than stigmatized.

So check in on someone (not just on a themed day). Ask if they’re ok. Ask again. Check in on yourself. Take time for self care. And please get help if you need it.

Check out this video that talks about my journey.