What is self-care September? Why is September important? Read this article to find out!

September is a worldwide celebration of mental health awareness! 1 in every 980million people all over the world struggle on a daily basis due to a mental health purpose. This month is known for advocating those impacted by the struggles of mental wellbeing. An important thought to keep in mind this month is to understand and wrap your mind around the fact that you are not the only one struggling. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar, stress, etc. PLEASE remember that there are people in the world who are going through what you are too!

Designated days in September were made for a certain mental health cause. Listed below are the events associated with this month:)

1. Eating disorders; what are they? How can you recover from it? – For those who don’t understand what an eating disorder is, it is a range of mental conditions that prevent or cause a disturbance of eating behavior. To overcome or recover from an eating disorder it is said to learn how to re-normalize eating habits and coping skills.
2. World Suicide Prevention Month: How to support those who have lost a loved one to suicide? – Refrain from saying “I know how you feel”, don’t wait to ask someone for help who has lose someone from suicide, help connect a loved one with other suicide loss survivors, and most importantly be there for that person.
3. Behavior Health: Self-care – eat right, be active, get enough sleep, and build a healthy routine.

September is mostly known as Suicide Prevention month. Suicide awareness is a necessity that a majority of people need to consider. All though it is a delicate topic to talk about… for me personally… it is a topic that is sensitive to my friends and me. But, with that being said, I am willing to share my personal experiences (at the bottom of this page) and hope that others will acknowledge the fact that even though this is a sensitive topic to talk about, others will be inspired to come forward and talk about their experiences and thoughts because it is a key principle to lower the rate of suicide in our society today.

*NOTE: THIS PART MAY BE SENSITIVE TO SOME READERS*

As for personal experiences, over my years throughout middle school, I have come across a number of occasions trying to end my life. I was at a very low and dark point in my life. I lost my confidence as well as my positive mindset. My happiness and energy were drained to the point where I didn’t care where my life was leading to. I started distancing myself from social interactions which lead to anxiety. Disorganized thoughts lead to stress. Negative thoughts lead me to depression. All these actions took a toll on how I asserted myself in my life especially when it came to suicidal thoughts. My suicidal thoughts became reality because I was listening to that negative voice in my head telling me that I’m not good enough or that I had no place in life. So, doing as one would in that moment, I pretended to be okay because I didn’t want to feel like a burden to anyone. Every day I put on a smile even though I was struggling on the inside. I wanted to go through what I was going through alone because I thought that these feelings and emotions will go away. But, sooner than later, I realized that this wasn’t something that could go away. Not a day, not a week, or even a month. It honestly took me 7 years to be in a better place. I eventually enrolled in therapy weekly and was officially diagnosed with major anxiety, major depressive disorder, ADHD, and panic disorder. SO, AS YOU CAN SEE, I HAVE BEEN THROUGH A TON OF PAIN MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY!! I have experienced the loss of loved ones (which as well took a hit on my mental wellbeing) and that trauma of losing someone close to you, will never go away. Grief is something that grows on you. It makes you realize that anything can happen at any point. Every second of every day should be taken for granted.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t go through trauma. My trauma has made me stronger. I am successful, passionate about who I am, and I am funny and smart. I wouldn’t be as positive and determined as I am now if I hadn’t hit rock bottom.

My point here is that no matter how or when or why you are going through rough patches, the end result will be worth it.

Published by Anastasia Baez, 9/3/23