I immediately got two contradictory sentiments after reading an article about a prominent individual who canceled the remainder of their tour to focus on their mental health. The initial was, “That’s terrific! Congrats to them!” The second was “It must be pleasant.”
Sincerely, I am delighted they did it. Their decision to prioritize their mental health is helping all of us recognize the significance of self-care. I congratulate them similarly to how I applauded Simone Biles and others in recent years.
But I struggle.
Why it is advantageous
Celebrities deciding to prioritize their mental health is a positive development. They sometimes do this at a significant financial and social expense. They confront opposition from fans. They learn of it through social media. They risk losing millions of dollars in the name of preserving their general health.
They are making an excellent decision for them.
I’m certain it’s not simple. Tom Holland, Simone Biles, Shawn Mendes, and an increasing number of celebrities should prioritize their mental health over fame and fortune. In addition, it encourages the rest of us to at least contemplate following suit. However, this is where things become difficult.
It is not suitable for everyone
Although these celebrities’ decisions may have financial repercussions — Mendes alone is estimated to lose tens of millions of dollars – they can afford it. Many of us experience a distinct reality.
In an analysis conducted by the American Consumer Credit Counseling, 48% of consumers reported alterations to their lifestyles as a result of inflation. This is owing to the fact that rising prices for everything from gasoline to food have put families in a bind. In addition, according to a report from the US Department of Agriculture, 12.5% of children in the United States were food insecure as of 2021, with the possibility that this number will increase this year. When I’m merely attempting to put food on the table and perhaps assist pay for my children’s college, taking time off from work seems difficult.
Even without these obstacles, it is impractical for many individuals to take an extended leave of absence from employment to seek medical treatment and incur significant expenses to improve their mental health. As an independent writer, I have no vacation time. There are days when I earn money and days when I do not. I believe that taking time off and losing pay will simply exacerbate the problem.
Even for individuals with traditional employment, the loss of income, coupled with the loss of benefits such as health insurance, and the cost of mental health services, is simply too much.
What I am doing to assist
Self-care is one of the first pieces of advice I receive as a busy mother when I express feeling overwhelmed or struggling. Professionals and well-intentioned individuals alike recommend “taking a bath” or “getting your nails done” as though 30 minutes of relaxation can solve the issue. Even though baths and manicures can be relaxing, they cannot fix the mental health crisis.
I am beginning with a transformation in my perspective. Mental health and physical and emotional well-being have been relegated to the bottom of the list of necessities — if at all — for far too long. Instead of viewing them as tasks I will complete when I have time, I am adjusting my perspective.
I am discussing it, pinpointing where I am struggling, and articulating what is wrong. These are crucial initial steps for me to begin giving my well-being a more prominent position in my daily life.
Recently, following a particularly difficult day, I informed my family that I needed to go to bed earlier. I finally acknowledged that a few medications were not alleviating the shoulder ache I was experiencing, and I scheduled an appointment with the doctor. As I make these modest adjustments, I can sense a small momentum developing within me to create more room in my daily life for mental and overall health.
I am attempting to normalize and prioritize receiving assistance moving ahead. This may involve scheduling an appointment with a professional counselor or asking my family and friends for assistance. I am receptive to internet counseling programs and other reliable sources of assistance, such as a pastor or support group. I’m discovering that talking to someone who can assist me is considerably more beneficial than binge-watching television, while the latter can be enjoyable on sometimes.
Concentrating on my mental health does not need me to abandon my life. If I am struggling and a little envious of others who can afford an extended vacation, I ask myself, “What can I do today?” I may not be able to escape job, family, and stress for a few months on a tropical island, but I can do something.