Member-To-Member Connection (Summer 2022)

We have heard many stories about the challenges members face in dealing with anxiety and depression.  The challenges could be in supporting anxiety related to their own needs or those close to them, or, the anxiety their child faces related to their diagnosis.

This newsletter is focused on mental health and mental illness.  Everyone struggles with their mental health at some point in time. I know I have. The resources listed here only touch the surface of the supports available. I hope there is something here that is helpful for you.

In researching for this newsletter, it was encouraging to learn how taking good care of ourselves, being active, eating well and getting enough sleep, are also some of the best things we can do to combat mild anxiety and depression. Having a good support network to fall back on is important. Being kind to ourselves and others, and being grateful for what we have, can shift our mood and our outlook on life. For those who face greater mental health concerns there is also the need to find the right treatment and support. 

The stigma around having mental health issues is still prevalent in our society. This can make those who are already struggling hesitate to ask for help. The Mayo Clinic has some suggestions for how to combat stigma. I’ll leave you with this to think about.

“Others’ judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognize what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference. Consider expressing your opinions at events, in letters to the editor or on the internet. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness.”

Wishing you all the best on your journey.

Gail Holdner
Special Needs and
Moving On Projects Coordinator