Vintage Disney Mickey Mouse Head Lunchbox by Aladdin Industries
Hello, Beauties🌸  May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Thanks to Pinterest, I can quickly share 8 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health.

Basler Black Suit with Chico's Off The Rack Tie-Front White Top for Mental Health Post

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?

Mental Health Awareness - 8 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

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.

Vintage Disney Mickey Mouse Head Lunch Box by Aladdin Industries

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

Vintage Minnie Mouse Head Lunch Box by Aladdin Industries. May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
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.

SelfCare Mental Health Checklist

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

Lucy Zimmerman's Finding Your Inner Happy; 8 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
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.

Gucci Mickey Mouse Head Bag

Gucci Mickey Mouse Head Bag
Gucci Mickey Mouse Head Bag, shown in the December 2018 capsule collection.

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 in honor of Disney’s 90th birthday in 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.

Eugenia, Age of Grace