Hello, Beauties🌸  May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Thanks to Pinterest, I can quickly share 8 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health.

Here’s a staggering statistic: each year, approximately 44 million American adults will experience a severe emotional health condition. Less than half will seek treatment due to stigma and discrimination. We all like to believe we are not in the mental health range. But in actuality, as my best friend, Cynthia’s millennial daughter, appropriately said, “Aren’t we all on the spectrum?

That statement got me thinking about my years of selling a drug for bipolar disorder. I recall how many primary care providers preferred these patients to seek specialists. First of all, there is a shortage of medical providers that treat mental health disorders across the United States.

Secondly, because of the scarcity, there is typically a long waitlist, and it takes forever for patients to get appointments for evaluation.

It’s another cold and rainy weekend in Central Pennsylvania. I shopped my closet for this Basler Black pantsuit with my Vince Camuto Suede Heels (wet from the rain). I’m carrying my vintage Mickey & Minnie Mouse Head Lunch Boxes by Aladdin Industries. They belong to my children, Channing and Tyler.

Finally, the stigma of being labeled as a mental health patient and, many times, the cost of medications keep patients from continuing therapy/meds. I do believe the Affordable Care Act does provide a provision for psychological/psychiatric health treatments.

We know family history plays a role in mental illness, but maintaining balance equals self-care. As we age/retire and our social circles dwindle, we must be diligent in our social health.

The 8 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health are all doable. I also practice them to keep myself in check.

Never give up on someone with mental illness; when the “I” is replaced by “we,” illness becomes wellness. We can help ourselves, but we must assist others when needed and necessary.

Also, did you notice my vintage Disney Mickey and Minne Mouse Head Lunch Boxes? I couldn’t resist pulling out my children’s Aladdin lunch boxes they carried in elementary school. It’s a fun fashion accessory.

Gucci created a unique capsule collection for the iconic cartoon character to honor Disney’s 90th birthday 2018. The Gucci 3D-printed plastic Mickey Mouse bag can be yours for a mere $4500. How many would you like?

Do you think there is a stigma attached to mental health? Do share in the comments section.

As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.