I love the fact that World Mental Health Day is in the Autumn (at least, here in the Northern Hemisphere) because there is no better time for people to be encouraged to talk about mental health.
As I wrote about here, I live with dysthymia and I am also susceptible to major depressive episodes that are triggered by low serotonin levels.
In other words… I can get really, really sad when the days start getting shorter.
In our busy lives, it is all too easy to explain away the change of mood that sometimes accompanies the change of seasons. The carefree days of summer are over, of course I’m no longer feeling so happy… right?
Well, maybe… but unless I remember that I need to get outside and see the sun during the day and that I need to exercise to work up some endorphins, then that “normal” post-summer low can quickly spiral down and become a different beast entirely.
Marking every October 10th as World Mental Health Day is meant to reduce stigma, build compassion and educate on a global scale. For me, it acts as a warning alarm, reminding me that it’s time to do a personal inventory to ensure that my coping mechanisms are in good working order.
Thanks, World Federation for Mental Health… It’s good to know you’ve got my back!
Escaping Elegance 
Reblogged this on My Miscellania and commented:
Someone you know suffers from Depression. Sometimes it’s the situation. Sometimes it’s the change of season.
The worst is when the darkness descends for no visible reason.
Depression is a flaw in chemistry, not in character.
Take care of yourself.
“Depression is a flaw in chemistry, not in character.” Exactly the message we need to spread. Thanks for reading!