During the month of September, I published a few statements and asked you, global neighbors, to share your perspectives regarding those. Today, I bring you the first compilation of The Hello Neighbor Initiative…
The Hello Neighbor Initiative
In the past, I have initiated the Skilled Helper Collaboration in which my peers shared their perspectives on various topics. In the Hello Neighbor collaborative initiative, I would like to ask you, my global neighbor, to share your perspectives. Regardless of whether you are a stay-at-home-dad, an entrepreneur, a teacher, a chef, a skilled helper, a gardener… we all have insights and experiences that may be of help to our neighbors.
The world seems to get more divided day by day. I hope this initiative will help us all gain understanding of our differences.
One of our global neighbors shared: “I agree that we are more divided than ever, even though we have the means to be more connected than ever.”
October 10 is known as World Mental Health Day, It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritize and invest in good mental health. Hence, the choice of the three statements for this first global collaboration.
"Mental Health has become a trend."
From a global neighbor: “It is a trend that has become all too common…. I hope that we frame it as Mental Wellness and look forward to a world that has higher emotional intelligence, greater self-awareness and kindness becomes the currency of communication.”
Years ago, I wrote this:
Somehow, I developed kind of an antipathy against trends. Maybe, I am just a stubborn woman, but I prefer to choose myself when I do something and if I do something. Up till today, never watched The Lord of The Rings or read the books about Harry Potter (nope, not seen the movies either). I do not live underneath a stone, so I am aware of the latest fashion-styles, new technical developments or household products. I studied various foods-trends and one of my guilty pleasures; I follow the Kardashians every now and then.
A new trend seems to have arisen:
UNHAPPINESS
Don’t get me wrong, it is not my intention to minimize the struggles many of our neighbors have to go through each day. On the contrary!
Mental illness, is a real disease. It will affect a person’s life, including the people closest to him or her. Hence, it will take over a person completely. Absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, because how I see it: People with this condition don’t wake up one day and decide to be mentally ill. I therefore recommend to be open, for instance, about not feeling adequate enough or feeling alone.
During my studies refreshing and updating knowledge regarding mental illnesses, I started to question the methods used in therapy and came across this statement:
"Therapy is overrated."
From a global neighbor: “It is a trend that has become all too common…. I hope that we frame it as Mental Wellness and look forward to a world that has higher emotional intelligence, greater self-awareness and kindness becomes the currency of communication.”
As I wrote in my article about depression; when you can’t find your way out of the darkness, you should reach out to someone. However, there is a difference between mental illness and unhappiness:
To only focus on the positive, on being happy all the time, I believe is unhealthy. It is denying your limitations, it is not accepting your flaws. It means not embracing ALL of you and that will lead to never be able to love yourself; for the unique Beautiful Soul you are.
It is OK to have a bad day, to worry every now and then, to feel insecure about a choice you’ve made. When you lose someone close to you, it is normal to grieve, to feel sad.
It is OK, to be unhappy every now and then.
Too often I read in comments below articles and (music) videos regarding mental health issues in our virtual world, that therapy and/or medication isn’t sufficient, does not seem to help at all. People don’t feel understood, seen and heard…
"All we need is listening ear.."
From a global neighbor: “I would add the ability to just sit with someone – sometimes that is enough. Listening takes skill and a certain restrain and in today’s fast world it has become a rare commodity. A listening ear can transform into a smile, a kind word or simply an open door.”
From a global neighbor: “The world will only improve when we truly see ourselves in another.”
Indeed. Open mind, staying curious… I think that is true power. Understand that we are all humans aiming to thrive, creating meaningful connections. A well-trained skilled helper can for sure make a difference and help someone with mental health issues. At the same time, I do believe that medication is sometimes given too quickly, when a listening ear could be all that was needed.
I believe nothing can beat human souls and experiences. Sharing insights, inspiring each other, that’s up to you and me! My thanks go out to the global neighbors who shared their perspectives, helping me bring meaningful content into our virtual world.
Hello Neighbor!
Did you enjoy reading this first compilations of The Hello Neighbor Initiative?
Let me know in the comment section and…
Stay Connected ; -)
