Learning that it is okay to not be okay all the time.
   There have been so many things I have learned within the past couple of years. From learning to do taxes, how to have good work ethic, how to apply to college, and to some more serious stuff like how to cope, distress, be there for others, and especially learning that it is okay if you’re not okay all the time.
In this day an age, I feel like there is this stigma attached to our social trends and environment that makes us think in our heads that if we are not okay, it means we are weak. Which then leads to us thinking that we are not reaching our full potential, that we are a disappointment or even an annoyance/bother, when in reality without the hard struggles of life, without expressing our emotions…we wouldn’t be who we are. Both you and me.
   I personally can be very, very stubborn when it comes to expressing how I truly feel. Sometimes I feel as though I need to be strong and only strong because that’s who I know I am. The strong, mountain moving, intelligent Allison that everyone knows me by. But I have learned, that sometimes you need a bit of rain before the sunshine.
We as human beings should be more than allowed to feel and express our emotions without the judgment or worry about what others will feel– this is something I’ve learned recently. If you feel hurt, sad, or stressed…express it(!). Cry it out, scream it out, let yourself truly feel. When the body expresses this emotion, it isn’t just doing it for fun or out to ruin your day. It is physically telling us that something isn’t right. It is telling us to slow down, to take a breather and to feel. So throw away that stigma! Expressing yourself and recognizing that not being okay 100% of the time is normal will only make you stronger in the end.
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Not only does strength come in the form of being okay in rough waters, but it also comes in the form of getting through the hardship(s), asking for help when you need it, coping and finding ways to overcome that mountain in life. But always remember to never let anyone, even yourself, ever take your happiness fully away–it is an amazing trait that we all have inside. Give yourself the positive self-talk to be strong no matter what route you may take. And remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Just let the rain water the flowers, until the sun comes out again.Â
This article was to focus on mental health awareness, and to know that it is okay to express yourself and to ask for help if you ever need it. If you or a loved one ever feels not okay to the point of suicidal or severe depression, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number is 1(800)723-8255. You may also text HOME to 741741 to immediately talk to a crisis worker form the Crisis Text Line.
Xox
Allison
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