Finding Our Way In Today’s World

So, it was a very big month of May for my writing, which saw 33 publications meet success. I sit here ready to kick off the month of June. I don’t usually stop and recognize each and every month specifically, but this time was different. I had a lot to write about apparently. I sat down and put effort into writing, even when I had no planned itinerary.

We authors and publishers often discuss the topic of writer’s block. However it has become my mission over time, to question the true validity of writer’s block. Does it truly exist as often as it seems? Or is the real culprit for that just a lacking effort?

When I felt that feeling of supposed writer’s block, I wrote anyway. It’s a journey I travel from within, every single day. And each of those new days, makes this entire experience refresh and grow, from new roots.

Lately, I have realized that some of my best is that work that I create just by writing from my heart and soul. While I do find incredible topics and subject matter by doing research and studying topics like mindfulness, and mental health, it isn’t the route I always have to take. With everything going on in the world right now, putting together a quality article shouldn’t come with any ultimate difficulty.

The past few months have been some of the most difficult times that any of us have ever been through. Between illnesses, and violence, and racism, it is a period of time that can really put many to the test. Even when there are those of us that are not directly connected to a particular incident, or illness it can still be a heartbreaking process by just knowing what is going on in the world around us.

It’s important to keep those loved ones around us in the loop. Remaining vigilant of our own internal struggles and emotions are the best way to lead us to a transparency that helps others determine just how to support us when times are tough.

It has been said by the news in headlines and by experts that this is a time of great struggle for mental health diseases. It is being reported that for those who have long since been diagnosed and under control, may actually now be at risk for relapse of things like depression and anxiety.

Second, new cases of those mental health disorders are at risk of developing. Because these are experiences that many of us have never experienced before. And with those new feelings of pain and struggle, come unchartered waters when it comes to how to deal with such issues.

I have been a bit on the fence about this because I am able to see both sides. I can believe that a mental health that has already been stabilized can pass a test like this with success.

Afterall a good regimen of mental health treatment should not prepare us for only the easy times in life. It should make us solid and ready for times like these that really tug at our hearts and minds. Not necessarily making painful times easy like a piece of cake.

However it should make our response to real world pain a response that brings with it strength, and stability. With reactions and thinkin that brings logic.

Now it is true that many people will come out of this time, mentally ill. When they weren’t ill beforehand. For those who feel like they might fit this category, I promise you that there is no shame or fear in reaching out to someone trusted, and explaining the current feelings being experienced. It’s not a time to be any more isolated and alone that we already are.

These are times that bring heavy hearts, and lost souls up to the surface. We may find more people struggling to stay afloat. Reacting in ways that are not mentally healthy at all.

Instead of remaining silent when we are misguided, we can instead find that guidance, when we reach out for help, from those who are trusted. No matter which of the many struggles are yours right now, it is a worse time than ever before, to remain alone.

-The End

-By MICHAEL PATANELLA

Michael Patanella

is a Trenton, New Jersey Author, Publisher, Columnist, Editor, Advocate, and recovering addict, covering topics of mental health, addiction, sobriety, mindfulness, self-help, faith, spirituality, Smart Recovery, social advocacy, and countless other nonfiction topics. His articles, publications, memoirs, and stories are geared towards being a voice for the voiceless. Hoping to reach others out there still struggling.