Hello!
As the subject line reads, it’s officially Mental Health Awareness Month. I love this month for so many reasons — it invites us to recognize and normalize the importance of prioritizing our mental health. It reminds me to feel grateful for the tool belt of coping mechanisms I’ve slowly (like, really slowly) built up over the years. It helps me feel connected as I scroll through my curated social media feeds, where I find so much comfort in relatable, mental health-focused content. It nudges me to be gentle with myself and others, even when that feels impossible.
But on the other hand, I feel so frustrated by the systemic barriers that make mental healthcare inaccessible to so many. I am saddened by the fact that there are still so many stigmas attached to mental illness. And sometimes, I get that horrible, nagging feeling that there’s too much standing up against those barriers — why even bother? (Obviously we have to bother!!! This is just how I feel on the harder days).
All of these feelings led me to consider what my mental health “dream team” would look like. Here’s what I came up with:
We all deserve these players on our teams. As a reminder of this fact, I’m linking to a free digital download of this illustration. Enjoy — and if there are any players you’d like to add to this all-star squad, I invite you to leave them in the comments of this post.
Today, my recommendation section is focused on ways to care for yourselves and others. If you...
Seek reprieve from the doom scrolling: Watch Ted Lasso (available on Apple TV). It takes a few episodes to get into it, but once you’re in, you’re in DEEP. Be warned: the finale might (read: will) make you cry.
Need a soundtrack to lift your spirits: I put together a playlist for that very reason. These are songs that make me feel like the sun will shine forever (but, like, not in a dangerous way).
Want to make someone’s day by showing up in their mailbox: I have a card line with Fluttr, a card company that allows you to send a physical card to someone by clicking a BUTTON. Ah, technology! ANYWAY, shameless plug aside, I’m really excited about the designs and hope you guys like them — check my line out here.
Wonder how you can help take some of the burden off of someone else’s shoulders: Donate to mutual aid funds. If you’re not sure where to start, look for one in or near your community by clicking here. I’ll also recommend checking out Black Women Exhale — this group is, as they state on their website, “a community organization running mutual aid for marginalized individuals.” Follow their Instagram account to learn more and donate if/when you are able — helping in this way can be such a relief for someone, and relief has a MASSIVE impact on our mental health.
As always, sharing a Tiktok that made me laugh — this one will resonate with all of my fellow athletes who have played team sports.
Take care of yourselves,
Haley
HaleyWroteThis is a free newsletter written by me (Haley Weaver!) and occasionally edited by my brilliant younger brother, Graham Weaver. If you like my work, consider supporting my Patreon or checking out my shop.