Are you taking care of your mental health?

You may read that question and jump right to, “Of course.” 

You would reach out for help if you were in crisis.
You have no bias against people who seek help for their mental health.

But let me offer you this: 
Our society doesn’t encourage 
or define 
or even acknowledge basic mental health maintenance.

We commonly think thoughts like, “Oh, how could I be so stupid?” (I am stupid.)
Or, “Let me avoid being in the photo while I am bloated.” (I am less than I should be.)
Or, “I really should have saved more for retirement.” (I need to meet some outward, undefined goal.)

We think of these as little course corrections.
These thoughts are just mental notes of what to focus on.
They are a renewal of our intentions.

But they are not.

These thoughts are judgy.
And critical.

They chip away at our mental health.
They are death by a thousand cuts.

Any time you use the word, “should,” it’s a red flag.

Mental health is self-care.
We mistreat ourselves in tiny little ways all the time and don’t think anything of it.

Instead, try taking care of your mental health by noticing your stream of thought.

Self-care is caring for how you talk about yourself.

Be gentle with yourself, my friend.
Take care.
You are precious.