When mental illnesses or disorders are talked about, the language typically  used to describe them tends to be clinical and impersonal.

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Do you find yourself struggling? Do you feel like you’re alone in a black hole? Are you drowning in financial challenges? I was, too, and I am relieved to say there is hope, and there is a way out. As a teenager, I lacked self-esteem and confidence — I never felt like I fit in. I played in the band, but was too nervous to perform. I enjoyed reading and had a photographic memory, but still couldn’t concentrate on tests. In college, I had difficulty sleeping. I forced myself into social situations, but never felt comfortable. A neck injury from a car accident led to years of chronic pain and even less enjoyment in life. Shortly after graduating and getting married, I contracted Lyme disease. The infection in my brain further intensified my headaches and impaired my thought processes. My words would jumble, and I would see things that weren’t really there. Ultimately, it would keep me from balancing my own checkbook and limit me from driving.

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Many people feel a slump in their mood after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The expectations of holiday events, the joy of spending time with loved ones and the frantic chaos can lead to a feeling of let down with the new year. It is important to check your emotional well-being and take preventative action during this time of year to stay healthy and make the most of 2016. There are a lot things you can do to help your emotional wellbeing  during the winter doldrums. As the excitement and anticipation of the holidays  comes to a close, it is normal to feel a sense of gloom. To work against this, try making plans for something soon. Plan time off, go to a concert, take a class or redecorate a room. Many people find joy in learning new hobbies  such as crocheting, playing an instrument or cooking. Find something that you can look forward to and start planning for it. When we focus on the negative, or on things we can’t change, we tend to have a poor outlook which alters our mood. Try to stay grounded in the positive  by practicing the art of gratitude. Melanie Greenberg, of Psychology  Today, suggests gratitude  goes hand in hand with mindfulness in its focus  on the now and appreciating  what we have, rather than wanting more and more.

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Going to the doctor can be intimidating.

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Mental Health America in Sheboygan County is a nonprofit mental health resource center that works to provide services in prevention/education, access to care and recovery support services for mental health. While educating youth and adults on what mental illness is and encouraging individuals with mental health concerns or diagnoses to seek appropriate treatment is something we focus on as an organization, we also recognize that families and friends of persons with a mental illness often face a unique set of challenges. Being the adult sibling, child of, spouse of, or close friend to someone with a mental illness often affects the individual in fundamental ways. It can be scary to watch your loved one experience emotional turmoil and behave strangely and/ or unpredictably. Feelings of helplessness for how to help your loved one get help or how to support their ongoing journey in recovery commonly increases stress in one’s own life.

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