While it’s important to practice self-care and make time for yourself as often as possible, it’s always nice to reach out to your loved ones. Family and friends are of the utmost importance to me, and it’s important that the people I care about know that they are loved and appreciated.
Take a moment to think: have you spoken to everyone in your inner circle this week? Do you know how your friends are doing emotionally? Are they struggling internally right now? Is there anything you can do to help? People in your life may have a bubbly exterior or display no evident signs of mental illness, but can be struggling silently and have no one to talk to.
We need to open up the door for conversation in regard to mental health and provide people with the appropriate resources to help them. Acting as an ally in a friends’ time of need, listening to their concerns, and just being there for them during their difficult time help significantly. Even sending a quick text message or social media appreciation post for one of your friends can help brighten their day by letting them know you are thinking about them.
Try and make more time to spend with your friends. If you find you have some extra free time on your hands, go to the movies! Make some snacks! Have a change in scenery! Spending quality time with the people you care about is critical.
Be sure to provide a friend going through a mental health crisis with any resources you know of.