**I just typed this up in my phone’s “notes” and then decided to post it to my feed. Then I decided it was too important to me – for it to get lost in the scroll game…….so I carried it over to my “wanna-be” blog. So pardon me for the poor formatting**

So I just watched a live video on Facebook from Australia. They were talking about Lollies, Turkish Delight, and Mental Health. (with this combination, wouldn’t you have clicked it too?!) I clicked it for 2 reasons:

1. If you don’t know what Turkish Delight is….then you didn’t grow up on ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’….and you’re missing out. You need enlightened. Message me…NOW!
2. Mental health. It’s like, a SERIOUS place I’m at right now. Dealing with SO many things myself. But also knowing of so many others with the same struggle. Knowing it’s a whole other ‘pandemic’, in and of itself.

So the whole concept here, (in the live video) was that there’s this place in Aussie that makes Lollies. They’re spreading pure Turkish Delight joy on a regular basis, but their main focus today was making sure that people with mental health struggles knew that they have a place to reach out to! “Are you ok? If you’re not…send me a PM and we can chat!!!” (**I’ve tried going back, but I can’t find the exact page so that I can credit via a link, but I will not stop trying to find them!!!**)

Folks seriously….mental health levels were at a sickening low BEFORE this pandemic triggered quarantine. Then all these fears and unknowns got locked into our houses with us, on top of stressors of: job loss, finances, distance learning, cabin fever, physical health, to name a few.

Raise your hand if you feel a little crazy?!?!

Now raise your hand if you feel GENUINE concern for your mental state?!?!

*Spoiler alert…….you’re NOT alone!!!*
It’s serious stuff!!!
I know, personally, I am having to deal with some deep dark stuff, guys. And I’m doing it with professional help. God bless those who are trying to cope solo!!! (Holler at me, I’ll pray for you)

I’ve said this before, and I’ll SCREAM it on the hilltops until they spread my ashes…..mental health SHOULD be as important as critical and emergent physical health care……There’s no logical (let alone political…but don’t get me started) reason on this blessed green Earth, that mental health care shouldn’t be freely and easily provided to ALL HUMANS!!!

Everyone. Everywhere. Free counseling. Any time, all the time.

It should NEVER come down to “well I can’t get therapy because my insurance doesn’t cover it” That’s bullshit.

It should NEVER be “well my last doctor had me on an antidepressant, but it’s pre-existing, so I’m coping” That’s bullshit.

I know that I am likely the minority here, but I do not FOR ONE SECOND think that counseling should have a stigma attached to it.

Hey America?! I’m in counseling!!! #noshame

I hate hearing someone say “I guess if it gets bad enough, I’ll think about therapy” or “our marriage was on the rocks, so we’re in counseling” NO!!! Don’t make it reactive!!! Do it proactively!!!

As Americans. (No, really, these days just as HUMANS….) it’s honestly a deep down struggle just doing life!! It’s sucks out there, guys!!! (**disclaimer** it gets better. We’re working toward something brilliant and unimaginable, and God has bigger and better things for us…..hold tight!! Different blog, for a different day! ❤ )

So here’s what I have posted this whole thing to try to say…

“RUOK???”

Are you ok??

Guys I’ve dealt with suicide. I’ve had way too much of it in my life. And I’m telling you right now……I’LL LISTEN!!! I know life sucks right now.
I won’t judge you for screaming at your kids.

I won’t hate you for choices you’ve made.

I DONT CARE if you’re left or right.

I will listen if you’re fighting with your spouse.

I’m here if you need a hug.

I’m free if you feel alone.

I’ll share scripture if you feel lost.

I’ll sit silent on the other end of the phone if you need to know someone is there, but you don’t know what to say.

If you’re thinking of taking your life……I’ll tell you why your life is desperately important to me!!!

Please know that I DEEPLY care about your mental health!!! That I care about you. And that I love you.

And I mean it with every fiber of my being…..RUOK?? Are you ok?!?!

If you’re not…….will you reach out?!️️️️