In social culture, especially in the United States, it seems that no one talks about mental health enough, or properly, for that matter.

For girls, when we feel anxious or depressed, the media doesn’t mention it at all, and instead paints a picture of how we “should” be put together and perfect. 

For boys, the media says to “suck it up” or to “be a man” and many people do believe that to suppress your feelings is the best way to get rid of them (as if!) 

But, I want to tell you that it is ok to feel down, depressed, and in the dumps. Some days I wake up and it feels like a terrible day without even doing anything. I feel heavy, upset, and am overly emotional for no reason. My patience wears thin really quickly, I feel like a ticking time-bomb, ready to explode in rage or tears any second. 

And, it’s ok. You don’t have to be happy and cheerful all the time. It’s ok to not be ok, but I want you to know it won’t last forever.

I’ve been depressed, many times. It’s hard, I know, to feel like the world is ending, and feel like everything you normally do isn’t fun, interesting, and you have no desire to do anything. That doesn’t meant there is anything wrong with me, and if you feel this way, it’s perfectly normal and you don’t have to feel alone.

Also, when you feel down, you don’t have to try and make those feelings go away. Usually when I feel anxious, my first instinct is to push them away and try to push forward. In reality, that doesn’t work, it just creates an emotional build-up.

Usually when you let your feelings sit untouched, it creates a giant packed snowball of tension and overwhelm. It seems like the smart thing to do, because if you don’t touch it, nothing happens, right? In reality, it’s like when you put Mentos in a soda bottle, you will erupt with enough friction and stress (which is not a pretty thing when it comes out).

I’ve learned to sit with my feelings, get to know them, and dwell in them for a while. Explore why you feel this way, and know that it is ok, other people feel this way. It’s normal to get stressed and have bad days, you can ask others around you. 

I encourage you to get to know yourself on an emotional level, and unpack the memories that may be holding you back. I know it will get better and that you can do it. 

[elisha]