May Theme
I – Ayrielle – was recently informed by my weekly box-meal prescription service and a project management software weeks into this month that April is Stress Awareness Month. Or maybe I was too deep in my own stress that I simply missed the announcement on the first of the month. It makes sense. April is often the last full month at a university. We are shifting our priorities – trying to close one stage of life while simultaneously opening another. Now compound the fact that our normal routines and ability to distress has been impacted by … how did Krista eloquently put it?...the “shit-show, cabin-fever, dumpster fire fest” that is 2020-2021, we’ve may have not been compelled to take care of it believing it is entirely out of our control. While I am personally late to recognize the modern stress epidemic, I am glad that the April blogs have been able to assist you all in building a community of support because, honestly, it is a small way to take control of the “shit-show”.
Want to revisit the old blogs?
- Personal Support – Taking Care of You
- Friend Support – Gathering as Restorative
- Campus Community Support – Help! I Need Somebody
I guess May is National Mental Health Month. “Fun” I say sarcastically as I roll my eyes. Well take a deep breath, here on BGF we are going to add to the fun. May’s theme will be about difficulties. The fact of the matter is that stress does create a strain on your mental health, and long term stress actually can affect you physically. Once we get to the physical ailments it’s easy to seek treatment the headaches and stomach aches. But to truly avoid getting to that level we need to evaluate and take care of the mental ailments. Sometimes that means nipping certain things that is providing you mental distress in the bud. While is not sunshine and roses to talking about the difficulties in your life – bad friends, bad boundaries, bad career paths – one of the first steps in addressing your mental health is dealing with the negativity of the “shit-show” even if it is “not your circus, not your monkeys.” They might not be your monkeys, but we need to put an end to the metaphorical poop-flinging.
While in May we will have difficult discussions here on the Friday blogs. We are also going to be more consistent in providing short summarize on our Instagram and Twitter accounts Monday through Friday. We would love to use these platforms as a way to build a stronger community with you and create that support system. If you are not following us there, please do.
Sincerely, Your BGF