Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. What Is Mental Health? | MentalHealth.gov
Recently we celebrated Easter-The day Jesus rose from the dead. Going through the anguish of being persecuted, hung on a cross days before. All so we could be forgiven and have a life with Him. I often think about Mary, his mother, seeing her son going through so much pain. How difficult that must have been, grieving the loss of your child and yet recognizing the gift He gave to us all by his sacrifice.
In our current time, there is so much unnecessary suffering and loss. Some of it is thousands of miles away and some very close. My heart aches seeing people go through such things. We don’t have control of many situations but we can make the choice to step up and try to do something that lifts others up…to succeed, to feel joy or laughter. It could be seeing someone in need and graciously give to them. Doing the unexpected for a stranger: pay for the gas for the car next to you or help the person in front of you pay for their groceries. Invite a friend or a friend of a friend to an activity if you see they are depressed. Listen to someone, just listen and that can help someone feel valued.
I think it is exciting to think of ways to serve and maybe bring joy to someone else’s life. I also need to learn how to receive. One time a friend asked if she could bring my family dinner when I got out of the hospital. I said “no” ” I don’t want to be any trouble”. She said, “if you don’t let others do for you, you are cheating them of their opportunity to serve”. I have never forgotten that.
We are social being’s! We do need to have a sense of community, trust and safety. To feel valued and to value those around us.
Maybe go introduce yourself to a neighbor whom you have lived next to for years but you have never met
