A Journey to Mental Health and Self-Acceptance: Shedding Shame and Embracing All of You

Hi friends,

It's difficult to talk about mental health when many of us have been raised to consider mental illness a terrible, horrible thing that no one should even talk about. It perpetuates that deeply rooted stigma in our communities and leads to many suffering in silence and without access to support.

Mental health is a natural part of being human. However, society often stigmatizes mental health issues and creates a barrier to self-acceptance, leading to a difficult time reaching self-compassion. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and mental health conditions, especially as they affect neurodivergent humans.

Self-acceptance is an essential part of understanding your mental health. It means accepting who you are, flaws and all, and recognizing that having a range of feelings is okay. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed about their mental health struggles, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. It's estimated that one in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental illness in any given year, or 19.86%, equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, know that help is available, and seeking it out is a sign of strength, not weakness. We have a long way to go to truly smash the stigma with mental health, but little by little, talking about it and chipping away at taboo topics can help normalize mental health just as much as we talk about things like heart health or digestive health.

We all have ups and downs, and it's okay not to be okay sometimes. It’s important to recognize that mental illness is not a choice and cannot be easily "fixed." Let me say that again in bold. Mental illness is not a choice and cannot be easily "fixed." Mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

Regarding neurodivergent humans, Autistics and ADHDers face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. We may struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sensory overstimulation. These can be more pronounced as how we experience the world may be much more overwhelming than for neurotypical people. Co-morbidities of anxiety and depression are very high for both Autistics and ADHDers.

Getting to the point where you realize you may need extra support can be a gut check. When that time comes, we begin to understand the role of self-acceptance and consciously choose to invite strategies and practices that help support a kinder and gentler way of life with our mental wellness at the center.

To begin on that path toward self-acceptance, here are some helpful tips:

1. Practice self-care: Self-care is essential for good mental health. This can include getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

2. Reach out to others: A support system can help you cope with mental health struggles. Contact family, friends, begin therapy or coaching, and center your mental wellness.

3. Educate yourself: Learn more about mental health conditions; read and learn about your neurodivergence. This can help reduce stigma and internalized ableism and help promote understanding.

4. Advocate for mental health: Use your voice to promote mental health awareness if you're comfortable doing so. There are many ways to do this, from engaging in social media, reading and commenting on articles, reposting things that resonate with you, and talking to your friends and family about mental health.

Self-acceptance aims to arrive where you are comfortable and accepting of who you are, every part of you. It's about understanding your power in telling your story and sharing it when and with whom you are most comfortable. It's a journey and not a destination.

I hope today's newsletter gave you some things to think about. I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's topic. Reply to this email, and we can get a conversation going.

Some community updates!

We began our Accessible Book Club meetings this week and are enjoying our deep dive into The Burnout Workbook: Advice and Exercises to Help You Unlock the Stress Cycle. Our members took time to read the first chapter together at the meeting, complete our guided journaling, and discuss some very insightful topics. Care to join us? All members can access the Accessible Book Club meetings in the Accountable Otters Club! Join below.

Our amazing Zoomies, Doomies, and Gloomies Procrastination webinar was a big hit! We had 130 people RSVP to the event, and they are enjoying the replay. The replay has also been added to our mini-courses in the AOC. Remember, if you were one of those registrants, you have a secret discount code to join the AOC! Check your email for that information.

Join us next week as we learn about Imposter Syndrome and goal setting and how it can appear at the most inopportune times.

See you then!

Izzie

P.S. Know someone who could use the words in this newsletter? Forward it to them with a short note saying why this may be a good one for them to receive! Don't forget to follow on Instagram, too!