Building Each Other Up

May is mental health awareness month. While in 2023 we constantly hear how important mental health is, we also live in a crazy and stressful world. We all have our times when we struggle and could use some extra help, but unfortunately we are often judged and ridiculed for asking for help. You don't always have to fully understand each other, but there are some easy ways we can help build each other up. We don't have to all be against each other and constantly judging others. Instead we should help motivate each other and use positivity to help confidence and happiness. A little positivity and happiness can not only help others have a better day but it can help you feel happier as well.

Be understanding. Just because someone is experiencing something you never had doesn't mean you can't try to be understanding. Even if you can't personally relate you can help show that you are still for them and support them.

Listen with intent. Don't just half way pay attention when someone reaches out to talk to you. Listen to what they need to say and don't interrupt. You can ask questions when necessary and respond. But when you listen to someone fully you can better understand them. Sometimes all a person needs is someone willing to listen.

Use positive affirmations and compliments to help build each others confidence up. We all know how just one positive comment or compliment can change your mood or day.

Show support when they're having hard times. Be there for them when needed and reach out to see how they're doing or if they need anything. Just knowing they have someone there for them can make a huge difference. Even if you can't be there in person you can text or call to reach out and talk to them. We all sometimes just need a friend or to know someone is there and cares about us.

Motivate. While it isn't good to push people unnecessarily or make them feel guilty, motivation can be good. Positive motivation when wanted or necessary can help us stay motivated to move forward and better ourselves in a positive way. While we all sometimes feel down or stuck it is never good to stay in that spot for too long. Using motivation to help move forward and become better can also help you feel better.

Say thank you. Showing appreciation for what others do can go a long way. We all know how awful it is to not feel appreciated. Acknowledging someones work or something they did for you helps them to know not only is it noticed, but appreciated. We all hate feeling used or invisible. A simple thank you, or saying hey I noticed this did this and it looks awesome, etc. can really help us feel acknowledge and accepted and we will want to keep doing those positive things.