HEALTH

"Hey, Fellow Vocalites; it's your buddy, Kent. How are you doing today...?"

No; HOW are you doing today?

...You don't even owe me (or anyone else, for that matter) the most honest answer to that question in a given moment. It can be awkward enough to honestly pinpoint "how you're doing" (mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically) in the nanoseconds between hearing the question until an answer is expected. I do, however, encourage you to take a moment and reflect on that answer for yourself.

So many of us default to a verbal, gruff "fine," complete with downturned face or eyeroll, or an exhausted "okay" with an equally exhausted "smile" (maybe even add a "thanks" or "thank you" onto that) and return the favor of asking the question when asked in the moment. If we know what drama feels like, why cause undue drama in the life of an acquaintance, stranger, work colleague, or customer with the REAL answer as to how we're doing? Do not get me wrong; it is perfectly fine to keep up appearance, particularly if you're in a public place when the question comes up and ESPECIALLY if the question is between a customer at your job and you. Definitely in a customer service setting, the customer most likely won't want to handle anything LESS than "I'm okay, thanks; and you?" However, whether or not you feel in a place right now to answer how you're honestly doing out loud, I implore you to realize something: "You matter. Your mental health matters. You're not a burden for actually going through whatever you're going through."

A person's mental (/emotional/spiritual) health can be JUST as important as their physical health; and, sometimes, a little bit MORESO. So why do so many of us (myself included) notoriously treat our mental health as though it comes LAST, AFTER physical health and even AFTER the happiness/health/wealth of everyone else in our midst?

Take care of yourselves and one another. If you feel that a friend or loved one is going through more right now than they're telling you, ask them again (without being confrontational about it). And if YOU are going through "more" mentally, spiritually, or emotionally than you can handle right now, do what you need to to take care of yourself. Reschedule plans to better suit your needs. Spend some extra time in prayer. Remember to pray for YOUR needs as well as those of others. Find a quiet zone at work for a few minutes at a stretch (while making sure that at least one coworker knows that you just need a few minute break and that they can cover your register for a moment). Take a nap. Go for a jog. Skip your morning run just for today in exchange for a half hour of sleep. Read a book. Watch a movie (obviously, if you're going through mental health issues, a simple cartoon or a comedy might be best; unless you're definitely in to horror films or action). Phone a trusted confidant. Give that work/"family-small-talk"/"We-NEED-to-talk" voicemail or text message an hour or so before responding.

Take care of yourselves and one another. Know your worth and know your needs. Mental Health Matters. YOU matter.

For more information on "World Mental Health Day" and its history, click HERE...

The BEST resources to address Mental Health are a close-knit family unit or close, trustworthy circle of friends that you can feel free to share with.

If you DO feel the need to find more professional resources, some of these might be or service to you...

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/individuals/index.htm