Move Forward

Mental Health has finally being recognized as a priority. Events implement sensory times, workplaces are more forgiving and individuals are seeking help. The problem is the model set for our lives did not have mental health at the forefront. It still forces people to set themselves aside and continue. The work week was designed and the man worked, the women stayed home, Saturdays things were open, Sunday was rest. It is no longer like that, in most homes both parents have to work, there is shift work, a certain amount of days on and a certain amount of days off. If you’re ambitious you hustle to reach the top, some just hustle to buy groceries. Some people are working two jobs, some families are just one parent. The family, extended or otherwise was able to help. Now we just all work.

There is no daycare that can serve all these needs. There is no supports in place for single parents on night shift. There is no reduced work week, you need more, you work more. A life changing illness, a sick family member, a death, divorce, age, what then? These things happen and people need time to heal, deal, cope, recuperate. This things are not over after six weeks, three months. You can’t put time limits on dealing with yours or anyone else’s healing.

We are a sensitive nation. The tough exterior doesn’t fly, we are all soft inside. Not acknowledging ourselves leads to trouble in the future. You don’t know another persons sorrow, you don’t decide what is trauma to others. It isn’t all bad, the talk has changed, the steps are more inclusive. I don’t have a fix for any of it, I just think it needs to be said that we are far from where we need to be. Any move forward is a good move. There is a lot more work to be done. I can’t praise volunteers enough. People that give time to others is selfless. Time is a coveted commodity. Use it wisely and be gentle with yourself.