Commercial Integrator + Security Sales April 2024 - 12

MAKING WAVES
Navigating Mental Disintegration:
Prioritizing Mental Health
Women must shoulder numerous responsibilities - from professional, to personal, to familial.
It's essential that we also prioritize self-care and well-being. By Brandy Alvarado-Miranda
I'VE BEEN FEELING mentally
disintegrated. I have a lot going on
in my personal life, and it has left me
feeling overwhelmed and a whole range of
emotions. Personally, the last four months
have been awful - but I am on the road to
healing. I'm grateful during this time for
several things: friends I can call and count
on, a wonderful therapist who enlightens
me, and a bunch of books and resources
that have helped me find clarity.
I'm not going to make this all about me
because I know that I am not alone. In
fact, 43.8 million American adults experience
some sort of mental illness issues
each year. That's one in five of us.
Increasing Awareness
Every May since 1949, Mental Health
America (MHA) has chosen a theme to
increase awareness of mental health and
wellness in Americans' lives, as well as to
celebrate recovery from mental illness.
For the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) has recognized Mental
Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every
May to increase awareness of mental
health's vital role in our overall health and
well-being. This year's theme is " Where to
Start: Mental Health in a Changing World. "
Personally, this theme hits home
because, when you are feeling " mentally
disintegrated, " like I have been, it can be
overwhelming with everything going on
around you. I'm also grateful that, as a
society, we're becoming better at recognizing
and discussing mental health.
The significance of mental health
has gained prominence particularly for
women. As the architects of both homes
and careers, women often find themselves
juggling multiple responsibilities, which
makes it imperative to prioritize their
mental well-being.
Together, we can create an environment
that prioritizes mental health and wellness.
The Crucial Role of Mental Health
The Struggle for Balance: Women today
face a unique set of challenges - societal
expectations, workplace pressures and
balancing personal/professional lives.
That cumulative stress can take a toll on
our mental health, making it essential to
recognize and prioritize self-care.
The Impact on Physical Health:
Neglecting mental health can have
profound consequences on physical
well-being. Conditions such as anxiety
and depression can manifest in various
physical symptoms, a fact that highlights
the unbreakable link between mental and
physical health.
Breaking the Stigma: Despite growing
awareness, there remains a stigma surrounding
mental-health issues. Women
may hesitate to seek help due to societal
expectations or fear of being judged. It
is crucial to break down these barriers,
encourage open conversations and
create a culture that normalizes seeking
support.
A Sense of Belonging
Building a Supportive Community:
Support from friends, family members
and community can play a pivotal role
in maintaining mental health. Women
12 Commercial Integrator+Security Sales & Integration | April 2024
can create a network where they share
experiences, challenges and coping
mechanisms.
Empathy and Active Listening: One
of the most powerful ways that women
can support each other is by practicing
empathy and active listening. Taking the
time to truly understand another woman's
struggles - without judgment - creates a
safe space in which expressing emotions
is possible.
Encouraging Professional Help: Sometimes,
seeking professional help becomes
essential. It is crucial to encourage women
to reach out to mental-health professionals
when they are needed. Removing the
stigma associated with therapy and counseling
helps create a more understanding
environment.
Self-Care as a Priority: Amid the myriad
responsibilities, women must prioritize
self-care. Whether it's taking a break,
practicing mindfulness or engaging in
hobbies, these moments contribute to
mental well-being. Recognizing the importance
of self-care helps women maintain a
healthier balance in their lives.
Closing Thoughts
I've always been the person " there for "
everybody, so I'd like to thank my close circle
of friends who have been there for me
over the last few months. Your support,
love and nurturing have been incredible
during some very dark days.
As we dive into MHAM this coming May,
look for #MentalHealthMonday tips from
WAVIT. By acknowledging our unique
challenges, and by fostering a supportive
community, we can create an environment
where mental well-being is prioritized.
AV community: If you ever need to vent,
talk, yell - whatever! - please feel free to
reach out to me anytime.
You are not alone. CI
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Commercial Integrator + Security Sales April 2024

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