Beyond the DARK is a weekly newsletter covering news and knowledge articles for those battling with depression and anxiety. I curate relevant topics to provide thoughts on and bring you along on my personal journey.
Make it a priority…
I’ve always been under the assumption that mental health was just a fad of sorts that companies would glamorize as a way to display “how they care about their employees”. As a matter of fact, mental health was never really a topic when I first started working. It was a bit taboo to talk about and I never considered mine. When I felt stress or burnout I simply just thought that I need a vacation or need to take a day off - but even that was difficult to do. I don’t know about you but there was always some underlying sense of guilt to take your paid time off at work, it was almost as if you were less of a loyal employee or didn’t care about your job if you actually took your vacation days.
Knowing what I know now, I should’ve been prioritizing my mental health. I look back at various jobs and I vividly remember the stressful times and how miserable I was. I’ve always been too stubborn to do something positive myself to counteract the stress. Whether that was time off or doing something I enjoyed on the weekends. I think many of us can admit to one too many drinks on Friday night because “this weeks been hell”.
On my journey with depression, if it’s done anything, it’s made me realize that mental health is something you need to keep in check continually. It’s actually listening to what your body is saying. I mean after all, if you’re sprinting you have to stop at some point to cool down and rest. I think the same is true for the mind. We get caught up in the day to day, working, juggling family activities, etc. When do you really have time to consider how you’re doing mentally? I’d be somewhat lying if I said I prioritize it now - but what I can confidently say is that I’m more aware of my mental health and understand my limits.
I think it’ll be a balancing act from here forward, but as long as I make an effort to keep myself in check, I think that’s a positive step in the right direction.
Can you CONFIDENTLY say that you prioritize your mental health?
Article Spotlight…
Psychedelics and alternate treatments
Psychedelic therapy grows as a popular workplace benefit. Dr. Bronner’s says it pays off
Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depression Effective for Up to a Year for Most Patients, Study Shows
I wanted to highlight these two articles related to psychedelics and psilocybin treatment therapies. First and foremost, I wasn’t fully aware that either of these were being considered as treatment options. Second, what an interesting pivot for companies to consider offering psychedelics as a workplace benefit. I can say from personal experience, I haven’t fully leveraged the benefits my employers have offered from a mental health perspective. I’m always curious as to how these benefits would be administered and marketed internally… speaking more broadly, it makes you wonder if these companies are going to get bad press for offering psychedelic treatments as they do come with a bit of a stigma. What do you think about psychedelics becoming a possible workplace benefit - would you take advantage of it?
In the News…
This week is a bit “article heavy”, but for good reason. I found some interesting reads below that you may find insightful.
Survey: Greeting Neighbors Improves Well-Being
New ‘Anxious Nation’ Documentary Offers Intimate Portrait of Teen Anxiety
Summertime SAD Is a Thing—Here’s How To Deal
Maui fire survivors are confronting huge mental health hurdles, many while still living in shelters
Dads develop postpartum depression, too, and it can impact their child's mental health
Building routines overcoming anxiety
We’re on the cusp of another psychedelic era. But this time Washington is along for the ride
Weekly Quote…
“I think people actually finally understand [depression is] real. People are talking about it and I think this is the only way that it can change.” - MICHAEL PHELPS
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Resources…
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.