My hope for 2020 and World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day. 💌
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Working for a mental health charity for the last 14 months and through my own lived experience, I've learned so much from challenges, the stories of others, the stats, research, etc. Yet with a deeper understanding, I've learned that there is so much that I don't know and there is so much more to learn.
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My hope is that 2020 will be the year that...:
✨ We finally realise that mental health is just as important (if not even more important given the climate) as physical health.
✨ Organisations will allow personal leave or sick days to be applicable for mental health days or leave as well as for feeling physically unwell.
✨ We prioritise and create a safe space for our own mental health and for others. In the workplace. At home. In the community. That we maintain and uphold our own boundaries yet that we stay connected and support each other.
✨We'll have the courage to openly say (in safe spaces) to our employers, loved ones, friends and community members, "I need a mental time out." "This is too much/challenging right now." "I need help/rest/a mental break." "I'm struggling with low moods / depression / bipolar etc." "Me too".
✨We actively reach out for help and support. And encourage others to seek help when we feel they might need it.
✨ We learn more about and do our very best to understand and respect what it might be like to live with mental ill health. Or to acknowledge that we might never understand if we don't have that experience but that we create a safe space & environment for compassion, non-judgement and active listening that allows for connection and hope.
✨ We consciously think about and honour our own and others' mental health every day as we would our physical health. Not just on the marked calendar days such as World Mental Health Day or Suicide prevention day or RUOK day or mental health month, but throughout the whole year. Online and offline.
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May you be at peace. May you be well. May you be kind to yourself and others 🌻✨
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With lots of love 💞
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If you or someone you care for need support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 (in Australia only) , or chat online to a crisis supporter at lifeline.org.au