Green mental health awareness ribbon representing mental health matters

Mental Health Matters

EVERY day is Mental Health Day. Mental health awareness is not just a string of words—it’s survival, it’s real life, and it matters every single day. If you wouldn’t tell someone to 'just get over' a broken leg, stop telling people to 'just pull it together' when their brain is working against them. Or worse, tell someone with anxiety to 'just relax' or someone with debilitating depression to 'just cheer up'. It's not helpful—it’s insulting.

Checking in on your mental health isn't a weakness—it’s necessary, and everyone benefits when you do. DO IT ANYWAY. Ignoring it doesn’t make you strong; it just makes you tired and cranky.

So let’s continue to normalize the conversation, toss out the shame, and remember: taking care of your mind is just as essential as taking care of your body (and, of course, that essential morning cup of coffee). And if anyone disagrees? Well… bless their under-caffeinated little hearts and tell 'em to shove a cupcake up their ass.

Love, Kate

Survival Mode Journal Printable

National Resources

  • National Institute of Mental Health

    For over 75 years, NIMH has transformed the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research—bringing hope to millions of people.

  • Mental Health America

    Mental Health America advances the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S. through public education, research, advocacy and policy, as well as direct service.

  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing

    The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a nonprofit association and the unifying voice of organizations that deliver mental health and substance use recovery services in America. 
forest

GET OUTDOORS!

Studies have shown that being outdoors can have a significant positive impact on mental health. More companies need to get onboard. For example: Be Like Bean - L.L.Bean's Programs:

• In 2022, employees spent more than 73,000 hours outside for paid Outdoor Experience Days and participated in 134 Outdoor Discovery courses

• Launched a New Outsider Program dedicated to helping employees and their families experience a variety of first-time activities with trained guides

• Delivered Mental Health First-Aid training, and expanded Mentoring and Recovery Supportive Workplace programming

L.L.Bean Outdoor Days

Need Immediate Assistance? Please reach out.

  • CALL

    866-903-3787

    National Mental Health Hotline

    The Mental Health Hotline is a free, confidential 24-hour hotline for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, or any mental health crisis. Call Now.

  • CHAT

    Just Answer Chat with a psychiatrist online without leaving your house. Inquire about anxiety, eating disorders, panic attacks, medications. Get info on insomnia, bipolar disorder, depression, and more.

  • TEXT

    Need to Vent?


    Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor.
    "We are always here for you." Free, 24/7, confidential.

Good Reads for Substance 'Dependence'

For many, poor mental health is intertwined with substance abuse/dependence (me). While the actual 'substance' list is long, alcohol dependence is what 'engulfed' me. There are MANY books that can provide guidance, support, and insight as well as a touch of much needed humor. And yes, life is FAR superior than you could ever imagine - SOBER.

Here are some recommended titles:

Mental Health & Domestic Violence

Mental health struggles and domestic violence are often deeply interconnected, creating cycles that can feel impossible to escape. Abuse can contribute to anxiety, depression, PTSD, hypervigilance, substance use, and chronic fear, while existing mental health challenges can make it harder for someone to recognize abuse, seek support, or safely leave. Domestic violence is NOT only physical. It can also involve emotional manipulation, intimidation, isolation, financial control, and constant psychological stress that slowly erodes a person’s sense of safety and self-worth. Over time, living in survival mode can make even simple decisions feel overwhelming, which is why compassionate support, safe resources, and trauma-informed care are so important for healing.

Domestic Violence Awareness Project

Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention organizations also highlight the need to continue providing support for those in crisis, their loved ones, and the professionals who serve them. If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out to your local crisis line, text or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for more details.

988lifeline.org


MENTAL HEALTH IS REAL. DEPRESSION IS REAL. SUICIDE IS REAL.

ALWAYS CHECK IN ON YOURSELF AND CHECK UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE.