Isolated

I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty upset about the lock down on Washington state. I realize that the government is just trying to keep people safe. I appreciate the hearts of those trying to protect the people of America. However, that doesn't make this any easier. My heart goes out to the kids and spouses in abusive relationships that can no longer escape to school, or work, or even the store. My heart goes out to the families that don't know how to cook and are now stuck in their homes trying to feed their family. My heart and empathy go out to those with mental illness who no longer have any option other than isolation. This isolation isn't thought of by many. In fact, some people (mainly introverts) enjoy time alone for long periods of time. But for people like me this causes a bigger issue. I'm not talking boredom. I'm talking depressive episodes, suicidal thoughts, manic outbursts, self destructive behaviors. These things are real and dangerous for many that struggle with mental illness. For us, this is a reality. This reality is terrifying; but it is something we live with and learn to cope with. So, in this time, if you are someone who struggles with with their mental state maybe it's time to learn to cope a little better. It's not easy, I get that; but learning coping skills can and will save your life. I know, I sound like that broken record of every counselor, nurse, psychiatrist, and doctor. But I have experienced what putting to use coping skills can do. Honestly, it has saved my life multiple times. It's going to be different for everyone; for some it may be music (writing, singing, listening to), for some writing (poetry, short stories, books), for some art or crafts (sewing, painting, cooking, etc.). Find your creative outlet and run with it. And sunshine is good for everyone's mental health, get outside, go for a walk, go on a hike, go skip rocks. For those of you without mental illness, your mental health is still important! Please, take care of yourself. If this isolation has you down follow the same steps, find a creative outlet, and spend some time in the sun. Remember, no one is in this alone. We are all going through this in our own ways, with our own struggles. Be there for each other. Support your friends, family, and those around you that are struggling (even if you have to do it from 6 feet away or through a phone). We can and will get through this. We've got this! Because we are so much stronger than we could ever imagine.