The Importance Of Mental Health...

This post is in light of a recent decision made by Olympic legend Simone Biles to withdraw herself from team USA's gymnastics final as a result of underlying health reasons. Later it came to light that Biles removed herself due to mental health reasons. The strength it takes too firstly, admit to oneself that there is an issue, and secondly, go about taking action towards correcting or confronting the issue, is immense. Former Olympian and all time medal holder Micheal Phelps in support of Biles had this to say, "We carry a lot of weight on our shoulders, and it's challenging, especially when we have the lights on us and all these expectations that are being thrown on top of us". The pressure of the world stage is unfathomable. For many it's more than a 4 year journey realized. For Biles, having had so much previous success, has an undeniable amount of pressure placed upon her to lead and dominant as she's done so many times before. The weight of this responsibility I couldn't even imagine. But even the strongest walls have loose stones.

We aspire to look, move, and act like our countries finest, but fail to comprehend the mass undertaking it takes on a physical and psychological level. For this reason, i've chosen to make today's topic about the single most important attribute of training for wholly health, mental health.

Why it's only been a topic of discussion in the last 5-10 years is beyond me. People globally, i'm sure, can all attest to dealing with mental struggles. But why does it continue to go under the radar? Possibly it is due to the fact that the society (I will speak to the Western world) we live in has long developed the idea of being stone cold and hard. Starting God only knows when through to some 30 years ago, the dominant view of the world was dictated by men and that view was one of toughness, grit, and 'manliness', that strength was having no weaknesses, and mental health issues was a weakness. This infectious point of view has lead to the oversight of an underlying issue millions have had to deal with. Furthermore, the lines have been blurred regarding what mental health issues truly are. Previously viewed as only mental health issues when one had a medically diagnosed syndrome or ailment, now we know that mental health comes in a spectrum and is felt and dealt with by everyone differently. With this shift in view, slowly our society is paving a path towards shedding further light on a true global pandemic.

As the case for improving mental health grows it is important to outline ways we can improve it ourselves and help alleviate any stressors we or others place upon us.

Ways to improve mental health?

1. Self realization and understanding.

- First step, as it is with any problem, is realizing there is one, and taking the initial step to understanding what the root of this problem is. Denial only delays the process. Acceptance accelerates it. Though easily said, this is for most the hardest step.

2. SPEAK / LISTEN

- The hardest part is realizing you may have a problem. Second to that however, is having the courage to speak about it. Often times withholding information or feelings seems like the right thing to do because we don't want to burden others with our problems. The case however, is that withholding or the compartmentalizing of our feelings results in an accumulation of stress, more often than not, exacerbating the problem. Finding the courage to speak your truth to someone can be the most rewarding and uplifting thing you can do when dealing with mental health issues. If you fear the response of those of whom you wish to speak to there are many hotlines you can call with anonymity to speak to someone who will listen and help you ( In Canada: Call 1-866-585-0445 (Adults) or 1-888-668-6810 (Youth))

- The second most important factor is to listen. Whether you've ever dealt with mental health issues before or not, the deepest attention you can provide someone when they have built the courage to speak is of the highest importance. Sit, listen, and learn. Don't try to understand how they feel, what they're going through, or try to provide answers for their problems. Just sit, listen, and learn. Open ears = open mind. Sit, listen, and learn.

3. Find your happy place.

- I believe the vast majority of people suffering from some form of mental health problems is a direct result to their feeling of unhappiness. Too many people are unsatisfied with their current situations whether it be a job, relationship, or physical wellbeing. Finding what/where/who makes you happy should be at the forefront of your decision making. Taking a step towards self betterment starts with placing yourself in desirable situations.

4. Exercise.

- It's but common knowledge now that physical exercise causes the release of endorphins that regulate mood, most often improving one's overall mood for the positive.

- Getting in 20-60minutes of exercise daily can greatly enhance your mood, improve body composition, and enhance overall quality of life. As one of the leading factors in mental health issues (physical health) creating a sound exercise routine will reap benefits and greatly aid in the struggle against mental health.

5. Journalling

- This is a personal tip of mine and one I know a few other friends have used and continue to use. Journalling is a great way to synthesize your feelings and put them to use. Writing is a wonderful form of dispelling feelings as it is pure and unfiltered. It allows you to flush out all your feelings without judgment and truly narrow down the specifics of your struggles. Journalling everyday or maybe only when you're feeling down is a great practice and first step for many, to better manage any issues you may be facing.

If there is any take away today, just know that there are many ways to deal with something you may be unfamiliar or unsure of, and that it is ok to be scared. Mental health is a health crisis that spans the globe many times over and needs our utmost attention. Knowing there is always someone there to speak to and listen is comforting. Knowing not everyone has that immediate contact it is important that we/they apply these simple tactics to improve the situation and take the initial steps towards self betterment.

If you struggle with mental health remember to accept (self realization), learn (understand), speak and listen, find your happy place (work/relationship/physical wellbeing), and find tactics to better tackle the issue at hand.

Mental health is not a joke, it is a priority.

"Progression is built through consistency and tested by passion"

JB