Mental health. The incredible complexity of the phrase is masked only by the simplicity of the words and, on occasion, by our collective misunderstandings around its meaning. While the expression has become common vernacular for many, it is often talked about as a single, large concept that should be acknowledged but seldom broken down into manageable parts. Take physical health by comparison. Rarely do we even hear the term physical health. Instead, we talk about things like managing our weight, eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. We talk freely about the details of physical health and how we can, individually and collectively, work to improve it. By most accounts a step in the right direction, we as a society have opened a dialogue around mental health in recent years. Perhaps more importantly, a movement that some may claim started in well-intentioned but somewhat performative fashion has settled into a genuine and honest exploration of how we can collectively do better in supporting ourselves and each other.

While mental health awareness has gained important traction, the COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the importance of individual advocacy. Too often we see the concept of mental health awareness as a way to normalize and bring acceptance for the struggles of others. It is sometimes easy to dismiss the validity of focusing on mental health when we feel like things are going well. But this leaves out the reality that mental health, like physical health, is not a passive endeavor. Our physical health does not become important only when a bone breaks. Similarly, our mental health does not become important only when we experience trauma. However, the pandemic has certainly brought about trauma to many and caused significant impact to all.

Numerous studies have been conducted showing the vast impact of the pandemic on stress and anxiety and the specific differences in how we have progressed through our daily lives compared to before the onset of COVID-19. But for now, it is important to simply highlight that your reality and the feelings and emotions accompanying it are real and valid. It is often easy to fall into the comparison trap. Maybe you have lost a job but question the extent of your anguish after learning of a neighbor that lost a parent. You might face the ongoing challenge of educating children at home but wonder about the significance of those problems in light of a family member suffering from depression. Conversely, maybe you have found a sense of peace at being able to work from home and spend more time in nature but struggle with being able to appreciate those things when millions more are suffering in isolation.

We often talk of putting things in perspective. And while that can be helpful in many situations, to attempt to delineate our feelings against the experiences of others can leave us in an even more difficult place. We do not break or even sprain a foot and consider it not worthy of our focus because someone else broke a leg or had a stroke or has cancer. We can respect and offer our support to those others and acknowledge the seriousness and put effort into healing ourselves. Regardless of the specifics of your situation, your feelings and emotions in light of the pandemic matter. Not right or wrong, better or worse, or in disrespect of others’ experiences, they are simply important and worth your acknowledgement. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to positive mental health, there are concepts and strategies that may help in finding greater stability and well-being. This column will explore several as we go forward. But for now, maybe take a moment to check in on a significant other or child, make that phone call to a parent or sibling, or send a text to a friend. Simply ask how they are doing and then listen. Maybe do the same for yourself. And if we start there, maybe we can further encourage an important conversation.