Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day, a day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. This is a topic near and dear to my heart, as I and many people in my life have grappled with our mental health at some point in our lives. Depression and anxiety are huge presences in teens’ lives (I’m still thinking about my former students because of last week’s post). I still deal with these issues to this day. Seeking professional assistance is the best gift you can give yourself when you feel like your back is always up against a wall. Counseling, antidepressants, and behavioral changes can profoundly improve one’s quality of life. The suicide hotline is also invaluable if you are in crisis. A sensible person wouldn’t try to walk off a broken leg; they would seek professional help. The same goes for mental and emotional difficulties. Be sensible. If you need help, get help. Help your loved ones as well.
Visa Saga Update: I still haven’t heard from my case worker for the appeal, but I DID get an email asking me to fill out a survey about my recent experience with UK Visas and Immigration. Once I’ve gathered my thoughts and can express them concisely, I will fill out the survey. People should not have to dig through the mire that is the UK government website for information or be rejected out of hand without ever getting to speak to an actual human being. Speaking of mental health, this saga has been a massive source of anxiety and crushing misery for me.
Here are this week’s suggestions for fun and enriching activities:
- Relaxing Music: “Becoming One of the People” from the Avatar soundtrack. You can listen to it here or find the album on Amazon* or streaming.
- Soothing Sounds: Forest Sounds by The Guild of Ambience
- Puzzle: Mahjongg. You can find the game here along with everything you need to know about how to play.
- Movie: Tangled (2010). You can find it on Amazon* or on a streaming service.
- Creative Prompt (write, draw, paint, sculpt, photograph, or collage something based on this subject): birthday
- Mythology Lesson: Paean. Read about him here, and do a little further research if the mood takes you!
- Short Reading: “Rapunzel.” You can read it here, or you can listen to it here.
Try one per day or everything every day, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a more vibrant daily round.
*These are Amazon Affiliate links.
“Keep on keeping on. It’ll get better,” I tell myself.
Magical Musings 