Having just returned from the state news media convention in Deadwood, I originally planned to share some of the things I learned from some of the best in the business. I think I will save that for another time.
In light of recent events in our community, and with May being Mental Health Awareness Month, it feels more important to focus on something else this week. It is not an easy topic, especially for us here in the Midwest, where we tend to keep things to ourselves, but it is one we do not talk about nearly enough. I know I do not.
I think many of us struggle more than we let on, even to the people closest to us. I know that is true for me. Not long ago, I found myself saying out loud that I am not always as happy as I feel like I should be. I have my share of sad or heavy days.
For me, it does not look like withdrawing or shutting down, even if that might seem easier. Instead, it comes out in other ways, being short tempered, getting frustrated too quickly, or taking things out on the people I care about most. Yelling at my kids when they are just being kids. Snapping at my husband when he has done nothing wrong. Letting negativity creep in where it does not belong.
That is how I experience anxiety, stress and disappointment. And I think it is important to recognize that we all have our own version of that from time to time.
The good news is there are more resources available than ever before, even in small communities like ours, and certainly through technology. If you have been struggling, whether recently or for a while, I would encourage you to reach out and take advantage of those supports.
I recently came across a poem a friend shared on social media that really put some of these feelings into words.
“ I think I’ll be fine” by Jennie Allen
And then I get a text.
Read an email.
See the news.
Have a conversation.
Remember a moment.
And then it starts.
A thought.
Then another.
Then a spiral I can’t shut off.
In minutes, I can go from fine…to overwhelmed, discouraged, and questioning everything. Nothing in my life actually changed. But everything feels different.
Sound familiar?
It happens that fast.
But this changed everything for me: I don’t have to agree with every thought that enters my mind.
I can notice it.
Interrupt it.
Choose where I go next.
Not perfectly.
But intentionally.
Say it out loud: “That’s not where I’m staying.” Then replace it. Not with something positive - with something true. Write it down. Come back to it. Repeat it when your mind drifts. This is how your thinking begins to change - one thought at a time.
And hold this too...
If your mind feels heavy right now… if anxiety or depression has been part of your story… please hear me:
You’re not weak.
You’re not failing.
Sometimes your brain needs support.
A counselor.
A doctor.
A safe friend who helps you process what’s real.
That’s not a lack of faith.
That’s wisdom.
And at the same time, there is still a place where you get to participate: what you give your attention to. What you return to when your thoughts start to spiral.
Both can be true. You can need help and still have power in this.
You don’t have to follow every thought you think.
You can learn to lead your mind.
One thought at a time.
