CONNECTION: a Tool of Mental Health

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Connection, in the context of human relationships, is a fundamental aspect of our well-being and serves as a powerful tool for promoting mental health. It encompasses the establishment and nurturing of meaningful relationships, offering a sense of belonging, support, and fulfillment.

WHAT IS CONNECTION????

CONNECTION is the act of establishing and nurturing relationships with others. It involves emotional bonds, mutual understanding, and a sense of belonging. CONNECTION is a tool of mental health as it plays a crucial role in promoting overall well-being and psychological resilience. It provides a support system that helps individuals navigate through life’s challenges, share experiences, and alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation. CONNECTION fosters empathy, understanding, and validation, allowing for emotional expression and the building of a strong social network.

WHY DOES CONNECTION TO OTHER PEOPLE MATTER TO ME????

It is necessary for a person’s mental health to be connected to other people due to our inherent social nature. Humans are social beings, wired for connection and companionship. The absence of meaningful connections can have detrimental effects on mental health, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Connectedness to others provides emotional support, a sense of purpose, and validation of our experiences. It allows for the sharing of joys and sorrows, the ability to seek guidance or advice, and the cultivation of a sense of belonging. Connectedness serves as a buffer against stress, promotes resilience, and contributes to positive self-esteem and a healthy sense of identity.

EXAMPLES OF CONNECTIONS

Types of connections can be diverse and multifaceted, ranging from personal to professional and encompassing various aspects of life. Hobbies can serve as a connection point, bringing together individuals with shared interests and passions. Jobs, careers, and professions provide opportunities for professional connections, mentorship, and collaboration. School environments foster connections among peers, teachers, and mentors, creating a sense of community and shared learning. Situations in life, such as parenthood, can connect individuals through shared experiences and challenges. Age can be a basis for connections, as individuals from similar age groups may share common life experiences and understand one another’s perspectives. Appreciation of music, art, and film can create connections through shared cultural interests. Common interests, where you grew up, and religious affiliations can also be powerful sources of connection, bringing individuals together based on shared values, beliefs, and

experiences.

CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

The relationship between connection and community is symbiotic and greatly impacts the quality of life. Connection to a community provides a sense of belonging, shared values, and social cohesion. It allows individuals to contribute to something larger than themselves and fosters a sense of purpose and meaning. Communities offer support networks, resources, and opportunities for social engagement and mutual growth. In turn, strong connections within communities strengthen the overall fabric of society, promoting resilience, collective well-being, and social harmony. The presence of a supportive community can enhance individual mental health by reducing isolation, providing a sense of safety, and offering avenues for personal and collective growth.

HOW A GLOBAL PANDEMIC IMPACTED HUMAN CONNECTION

The recent global pandemic has profoundly impacted how people connect with one another. Social distancing measures, lockdowns, and restrictions on gatherings have forced individuals to adapt to new ways of connecting and maintaining relationships. The pandemic has presented unique challenges and barriers to traditional forms of connection. While digital connectivity has played a crucial role in bridging physical distances through video calls, messaging apps, and social media, it cannot fully replicate the depth of in-person connection. The absence of physical touch, non-verbal cues, and the challenges of building new connections during a time of increased anxiety and uncertainty have made it more difficult for people to.

CONNECTION, SUPPORT, & COPING WITH LIFE’S ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES

Connection to other people serves as a vital support system that plays a crucial role in helping individuals cope with life’s adversities. The presence of strong and meaningful connections provides a sense of comfort, understanding, and empathy during difficult times. Here are some key ways in which connection to others acts as a support system:

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: Connected relationships offer a safe space for individuals to express their emotions and share their struggles. Having someone who listens without judgment, offers empathy, and provides a shoulder to lean on can significantly alleviate emotional distress. Through open and honest communication, connections help individuals process their feelings, gain perspective, and find solace in knowing that they are not alone.

  1. PRACTICAL SUPPORT: Connections can provide practical assistance during challenging situations. Friends, family members, or community members can offer practical help, such as providing resources, offering advice, or assisting with day-to-day tasks. This support can lighten the burden and make it easier to navigate through difficult circumstances.
  2. VALIDATION & PERSPECTIVE: Connections provide validation of our experiences and feelings. When facing adversity, it is reassuring to have someone who understands and acknowledges the validity of our emotions and struggles. Additionally, connections offer diverse perspectives and insights, broadening our understanding of the situation and helping us consider different approaches to coping or problem-solving.
  3. ENCOURAGEMENT & MOTIVATION: Connected relationships provide encouragement and motivation, helping individuals stay resilient in the face of adversity. The support and belief that others have in our abilities can boost our confidence and determination. Having someone who cheers us on, reminds us of our strengths, and encourages us to keep going can make a significant difference in our ability to cope and persevere.
  4. SHARING EXPERIENCES & COPING STRATEGIES: Connections enable the sharing of experiences, including how others have coped with similar adversities. Learning from others’ stories and strategies can provide guidance and inspiration. It allows individuals to gain new insights, discover effective coping mechanisms, and develop a sense of hope that they, too, can navigate challenging circumstances.
  5. SENSE OF BELONGING: Connection to others instills a sense of belonging, which is particularly crucial during difficult times. Feeling connected and accepted by others creates a sense of unity and solidarity, reminding individuals that they are part of a larger support network. This sense of belonging strengthens resilience, as individuals draw strength and comfort from their connections, knowing they are not alone in their struggles.

It is important to nurture and maintain connections even when we are not facing immediate challenges. Building and strengthening relationships during times of relative calm establishes a solid foundation of support for when adversities arise. By investing time and effort in cultivating connections, we build a network of support that can help us cope with life’s adversities and enhance our overall well-being.

good grief creative mental wellness

“Good” Grief

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Here’s a question. Daisy & I have discussed at length: Is there such a thing as GOOD GRIEF?????

OK-here’s what we came up with…ready?…REALLY READY?????

Quick answer: ABSOLUTELY!

You CAN have GOOD GRIEF! It is possible to experience GRIEF in a positive way! But first, before we share our suggestions for putting a positive-ish spin on navigating feelings of loss, let’s talk more about GRIEF.

Grief is a complex and multifaceted emotion that is commonly associated with the loss of a loved one. Grief is a natural response to loss of someone or something, and it manifests differently for each individual. It is an emotional journey that involves a profound sense of sadness, longing, and emptiness.

While grief is often associated with the death of a person, it can extend beyond death to encompass a wide range of experiences and relationships. it can be triggered by the loss of opportunities, relationships, careers, education, and even pregnancies. The grieving process may also be associated with events that never occurred, including infertility and the loss/lack of a relationship.

The experience of grief exists on a spectrum of intensity, varying from person to person and influenced by various factors. Grief is not a “one-size-fits-all” emotion but rather a deeply personal and individual experience. The intensity of grief can be influenced by the nature of the loss, the relationship with the person or thing lost, the individual’s coping mechanisms, support systems, and personal resilience. Some individuals may experience profound and all-encompassing grief that significantly impacts their daily lives, while others may navigate grief with a more manageable level of intensity. It is important to recognize and honor the unique spectrum of intensity that exists within grief, understanding that there is no right or wrong way to grieve and that each person’s journey is valid and worthy of support and compassion.

GRIEVING Lost Opportunities: Throughout our lives, we encounter numerous opportunities that we may miss out on due to circumstances or personal choices. These lost opportunities can evoke a sense of grief and longing for what might have been. The most challenging lost opportunities can be the ones that are choosing between 2 really good choices or 2 really challenging ones. (And just in case anyone is wondering how WE feel…Yes, it IS possible to GRIEVE something that you knowingly choose for yourself–probably because your CHOICES are limited or nonexistent. Just remember to have GRACE with yourself in those cases!💚)

GRIEVING Lost Pregnancies: The loss of a pregnancy, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination, can bring about intense grief. Expectant parents often invest their hopes, dreams, and emotional connections into the unborn child, and when that future is suddenly shattered, they may experience profound sorrow, a sense of loss, and a grieving process.

GRIEVING Relationships (That Never Happened): Human connections play a vital role in our lives, and the absence of a desired relationship can cause grief. This can include unrequited love or the longing for a connection with someone who never reciprocated our feelings. We may mourn the loss of what we imagined the relationship could have been, the experiences we would have shared, and the emotional support we longed for.

One specific area of GRIEF we would like to address is that of INFERTILITY. There are different types of infertility, and we will address primary and secondary infertility and subfertility.

Primary Infertility – Primary infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child naturally. Individuals or couples who face this challenge may experience grief over the loss of the imagined biological child and the traditional path to parenthood. They mourn the biological bond, the joy of pregnancy, and the shared experiences that they might never have.

Secondary Infertility – Secondary infertility occurs when a person or couple struggles to conceive after having one or more biological children. This can lead to grief as they long for another child and grapple with the realization that their family plans may not unfold as they envisioned. The grief may arise from the lost opportunity to expand their family and the complexities surrounding their expectations.

Subfertility – Subfertility refers to a reduced fertility level that can make it challenging to conceive naturally. Individuals experiencing subfertility may undergo a grieving process due to the difficulties they face in achieving pregnancy. The longing for biological parenthood and the uncertainties surrounding their reproductive capabilities can cause significant emotional distress.

GRIEVING Jobs/Careers: Losing a job or a promising career opportunity can be devastating and lead to a profound sense of grief. We invest significant time and effort into building our professional lives, and the sudden disruption of our plans can leave us feeling lost and bereaved. The loss of financial security, professional identity, and the potential for growth and success can trigger a grieving process.

GRIEVING Education/Degrees: Education can play a crucial role in shaping the future and opening doors to various opportunities. When circumstances prevent us from pursuing the education or degrees we desire, it can generate feelings of grief. This could be due to financial constraints, personal responsibilities, or missed academic opportunities. The loss of educational aspirations can leave a lasting impact on our self-esteem and personal growth.

GRIEVING Lost Relationships: Grief is not confined to the loss of loved ones through death or divorce. We can also mourn the loss of relationships with people who were never our parents but still held a special place in our lives. This might include extended family members, family friends, or mentors who played significant roles in our upbringing or emotional support. When these relationships end abruptly, we may experience grief over the absence of their presence and the void it creates.

So how does one practice GOOD GRIEF?

Practicing “good grief” is indeed possible and can contribute to a healthier and more constructive grieving process. Good grief involves embracing and navigating through the stages of grief in a way that allows for healing, growth, and eventual acceptance. In this article, we will explore the concept of good grief and provide examples of how it can be practiced.

1. Allowing Yourself to Feel: Good grief begins with giving yourself permission to experience and express your emotions fully. It’s essential to acknowledge and accept the range of feelings that come with grief, such as sadness, anger, guilt, or even relief. By allowing yourself to feel, you create space for the healing process to unfold.

Example: Sarah recently lost her job unexpectedly. Instead of suppressing her emotions, she allowed herself to feel disappointment, anger, and uncertainty. She expressed her feelings through journaling and sought support from friends and family, allowing herself to process the loss and move forward.

2. Seeking Support: Surrounding yourself with a support system can be instrumental in practicing good grief. Connecting with understanding friends, family members, or joining support groups can provide a safe space for sharing experiences, receiving validation, and gaining different perspectives. Professional counseling or therapy can also be beneficial in navigating the complexities of grief.

Example: After the death of his spouse, David joined a grief support group where he found solace and understanding from others who had experienced similar loss. Through sharing their stories and supporting one another, they practiced good grief together, providing comfort and guidance on their healing journeys.

3. Practicing Self-Care: Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is crucial during the grieving process. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing mindfulness or meditation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and prioritizing self-compassion can all contribute to good grief.

Example: Maya, grieving the end of a long-term relationship, focused on self-care by incorporating regular exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature. She also sought professional help to develop healthy coping strategies and nurture her emotional well-being. By prioritizing self-care, she gradually found healing and resilience.

4. Honoring Memories: Celebrating and honoring the memories of what or who was lost can be an integral part of good grief. Creating rituals, dedicating a space for reflection, or engaging in activities that commemorate the person or experience can help in the healing process. It allows for a sense of closure while keeping the memories alive.

Example: Mark, after losing his beloved pet, created a memory box filled with pictures, favorite toys, and mementos. He also planted a tree in the backyard as a living tribute to his furry companion. By honoring the memories, Mark found comfort in cherishing the time they had together and gradually embraced a new normal without his pet.

5. Finding Meaning and Growth: Good grief involves seeking meaning and personal growth through the grieving process. It may involve reflecting on lessons learned, identifying personal strengths, or finding ways to channel the loss into positive actions or contributions. (We’re especially big fans of this one! Translating ENERGY involved in grieving whatever you’ve “lost” –which doesn’t always FEEL positive–into doing something helpful to others gives those uncomfortable feelings PURPOSE.💚)

Example: Emily, who experienced a miscarriage, channeled her grief into advocacy work for pregnancy loss awareness. She started a support group, organized fundraising events, and shared her story to help others going through similar experiences. By finding meaning and using her loss to make a difference, Emily practiced good grief and found purpose in her journey.

In conclusion, practicing GOOD GRIEF is possible and can significantly contribute to the healing process. By allowing oneself to feel, seeking support, practicing self-care, honoring memories, and finding meaning and growth, individuals can navigate grief in a way that promotes healing, resilience, and eventual acceptance. Each person’s grief journey is unique, and practicing good grief involves finding strategies and approaches that resonate with their own needs and experiences.

how to select recipes

How to Select Recipes

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💚= pertaining to MENTAL HEALTH

❤️= pertaining to PHYSICAL HEALTH

💚 KEEP IN MIND: Some days are better than others. If you don’t have enough energy (right now) to prepare an entire meal, just DO YOUR BEST FOR NOW. Eat as healthy as you can, but take care of yourself. Once you feel better, you can try hard-er again.

💚❤️CONSIDERATION FOR MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES:

“Healthy” doesn’t have to be synonymous with “flavorless.” Smart food choices can include flavor AND nutrition. Using herbs and spices–especially fresh ones–can enhance healthier food and make healthy choices easier to make.

💚❤️ACTIVITY LEVEL:

Let’s be real: Many of us don’t LOVE exercising! However, relative to “normal” human needs, just as we need nutrition, we also need to move. If you consume more, it’s better to move more. When you’re not very active, your intake should be less than when you’re more active. It’s not easy being completely truthful with yourself (about your actual nutritional needs), but HONESTY WITH YOURSELF enables you to more successfully manage your nutrition

💚 MODERATION IS THE KEY:

…and speaking of HONESTY, sometimes many of us overeat–even the best PLANNERS make “less healthy” choices! This is where GRACE with yourself becomes important. Please don’t think negative thoughts about not making the best choices! Rather, have grace with yourself and just TRY TO DO BETTER NEXT TIME!

❤️PLANT-BASED CHOICES:

Plant-based food is gaining in popularity. However, just because it’s plant-based doesn’t mean it’s healthy. When evaluating the nutrition, be aware of the fat content as well as how healthy the plant aspect of the food is. Note whether/what nutrients and vitamins are available within the selected foods.

💚❤️DIET VERSUS LIFESTYLE:

Another note for preventing disordered eating: Eating healthy should be your lifestyle NOT a diet. Diets can be correlated with anxiety and depression. When making healthy choices is your “normal,” you’re more likely to be less anxious. As mentioned above, MODERATION IS THE KEY!

Step 1: Evaluate Your Nutritional Needs

Before choosing a healthy recipe, it is crucial to understand your nutritional needs. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals are essential for a healthy diet. However, the ideal amount of each nutrient for an individual depends on various factors such as age, lifestyle, and health status. For instance, athletes require more protein to support their muscles, while individuals with high blood pressure need to limit their sodium intake. When considering nutrition, try to be cognizant of (and honest about) making choices to meet your health needs.

Step 2: Choose Whole Foods

Whole foods are unprocessed or minimally processed foods that are rich in nutrients. They include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Whole foods provide essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals while reducing the risk of chronic illnesses. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize whole foods when selecting healthy recipes. Because whole foods are without all the processing, you can be more aware of what is in your food. Less processing means less unneeded chemicals.

Step 3: Check the Nutritional Information

When choosing a healthy recipe, it is essential to read the nutritional information provided. The nutritional information should include the serving size, calories, macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat), and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in the recipe. You can use this information to determine if the recipe matches your nutritional needs. For example, a recipe that is high in calories but low in protein may not be suitable for individuals who require more protein in their diet.

Artificial additives and sweeteners are commonly used in processed foods to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. However, some additives may have adverse effects on health, especially when consumed in large amounts. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid recipes that contain artificial additives and sweeteners and instead opt for recipes that use natural ingredients.

💚 KEEP IN MIND: Try to Maintain a Balance Between HONESTY and GRACE

Always remember that PERFECTION IS IMPOSSIBLE. However, do YOUR BEST (“DUE DILIGENCE”) to make the healthiest choices you can at the time. Weight is somewhat important, but MENTAL HEALTH is the priority. If you struggle with obesity and/or disordered eating, PLEASE try to be honest but graceful with yourself. Try to ensure you are moving enough to legitimize what you’re eating. (This is ONLY said with honesty, respect, compassion, and kindness. I WANT YOU TO WIN! YOU DESERVE TO WIN!)

When selecting a recipe, skill level can be a consideration. However, in the age of YouTube, skill is not as much of a challenge. Whether you’re a chef in the making or you’ve been known to burn water, a little research and preparation can be ways to help yourself succeed. (YOU DESERVE TO SUCCEED!!!!)