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Take A Mental Health Day

This past week started out fairly rough then Tuesday I decided to put in PTO request to take Thursday and Friday so I had 5 days off in a row. In the description for my PTO request I actually entered Mental Health Day. I wanted to be honest with my manager. I don't think she is aware of my mental health issues. I have mentioned it only in casual conversation that I have OCD; however, so many people use OCD so lightly, like when they like things organized. That my friend is NOT OCD, that is just being organized and picky about things, which is totally okay to be like that, but it isn't having OCD. 

I needs these days off from time to time to regroup. I still have crippling anxiety off and on every day, and my OCD is still in control. But I have gotta better with controlling my OCD at times.

I am lucky to have a job where I can take paid time off if needed. I am also lucky to have insurance coverage that covers for my prescriptions and therapy. I was thinking about this over my time off and how lucky I am to have what I have. Not only do I have these I also have an amazing support system with family and friends. It saddens me that there are so many people that don't have this or their insurance doesn't cover mental health. 

People assume that only homeless and "crazy" people have mental illness. This is so untrue, there are many faces of mental illness. A friend and I were talking about this the other day as well. "Normal" people have mental illness too; your doctors, pastors, teachers, neighbors and just every day people, deal with these issues too. It's so easy to judge others and assume things, but we need to get past this on so many levels. We also need to make sure everyone gets the help they need.   

I need time off from time to time, I need my therapist, I need my medications, and I need my family and friends along with my furbabies. We all need something else when we are struggling with our mental afflictions. Each person needs to take some time out and find out what they need, because what I need and what you need aren't always going to be the same. It could take time to find out the right combination and somethings you will need to make changes, but find out what helps you. That is so important. 

I can't repeat myself enough, hence the title of this blog page, we need to speak up for mental heath. If not for yourself but for someone else that is a part of your life. 

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