Stronger Together: Mental Health, Support, and the Power of Reaching Out
- Kim Lengling
- May 2
- 4 min read
Let’s Talk
May is a beautiful month filled with signs of new beginnings—flowers blooming, warmer breezes, and longer days that invite us to pause and soak in a little more sunshine. But it’s also a powerful time to shine a light on something we too often tuck away in the busyness of life: our mental health.
Let’s be honest—life gets loud. The demands of work, family, responsibilities, and simply keeping up can make it easy to ignore what’s happening inside. You do realize your mental wellness is just as important as your physical health, don't you?
May gives us a gentle reminder: it’s okay to take a breath, check in with ourselves, and reach out when we need support.
Take Care of You
Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Whether you take five quiet minutes with your first cup of coffee, go for a walk, journal, listen to calming music that soothes your soul, or simply say no to something that drains your energy—these small acts matter. They are reminders that you matter.
Mental Health Awareness Month encourages us to slow down just enough to ask ourselves, “How am I really doing?” And if the answer is, “I’m not okay,” it's okay not to feel okay. It isn't okay to stay that way. There are many resources for you to reach out to, including a trusted friend, doctor, counselor, or an organization.
You can also dial 988, the National Crisis Hotline, for guidance or help if you need it. If you are a veteran in crisis, dial 988, then press 1. Pressing 1 takes you directly to the Veteran Crisis Hotline.
A Special Note to Our Veterans
To the men and women who have served our country, thank you. And to those who have served and carry invisible wounds, know that you are not alone.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is real. It affects millions, especially veterans who’ve faced unimaginable situations. Carrying that weight in silence can feel isolating, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Reaching out for help isn't weak; it’s a sign of courage. Whether it’s connecting with a fellow veteran, joining a support group, or seeking therapy, there is a path toward healing, and people who want to walk it with you.
As a veteran who lives with PTSD myself, I can testify to the fact that it IS hard to reach out. Heck, I was one of those who had to be brought pretty much kicking and screaming, but I went, and I will be forever thankful to those who recognized that something wasn't right with me and got me to go talk with someone. Was I angry at the time? Yep! Sure was! But as I look back, I realize just how big a deal that was for those men to see symptoms in me that I didn't recognize myself. Now, I myself can recognize a hurting soul and gently give guidance.
If you are a veteran, consider this your reminder that your story matters, your pain is valid, and help is available. There are brother and sister veterans who understand, and communities ready to support.
We All Need a Support Network
Mental health doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re a college student, a working parent, a caregiver, a veteran, or a retiree, we all need connection. We need spaces where we can speak openly and be heard.
“I get it. I’ve been there too.”
Creating or joining a support group, even a simple weekly check-in with trusted friends, can make all the difference. The healing power of being seen and heard is immense.
https://www.helpguide.org/find-help is another great resource to get guidance on many topics including mental health.
Don't wait until you are “Okay” to Talk About It
Mental health matters every month, but in May, we give it a voice. You don’t have to have it all together. None of us do. But together, we can create a world where caring for our mental health is normal and supported.
So let’s check in with ourselves, with those we love, and with the veterans in our lives. Let’s offer hope and remind one another: you are never alone.
You are worthy of peace. You are strong.
WHAT'S NEW?
Join me each Wednesday for new episodes of the Let Fear Bounce Podcast. You can find them on your favorite listening platforms and YouTube. Be sure to Like and Subscribe while you are there!
Nuggets of Hope, my newest book, released last November, is available on Amazon.
Nuggets of Hope, Cultivate Kindness invites you to embark on a journey of kindness for others and yourself.
Be sure to grab a copy for yourself or gift this month of Mental Health Awareness and give it to a friend who may need a dose of hope. Let's face it, folks, the world could use more kindness and hope. Let's all do our part to make our slices of the world a better place.
And for all you animal lovers, don't forget about the Paw Print books! They're also available on Amazon: Paw Prints on the Couch and Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor.
There will be a third edition of the Paw Prints series anthologies, Paw Prints on The Front Porch. If you are interested in participating, email contact@kimlenglingauthor.com and put Paw Prints in the Subject line.
Participating as a co-author is free. Proceeds from any online sales of the book will go to The ANNA Shelter, a no-kill shelter in my area that has been helping neglected and abused animals for over twenty years. Let's make a difference together! Share your pet's story!
Until next month, be well, stay well, and be blessed!
Be well, stay well, and be blessed,
Kim Lengling
#YouAreNotAloneVeteran #StrongerTogether #OneDayAtATime #HopeIsStronger #FindYourPeace #HealingJourney #HoldOnPainEnds #CommunityOfHope
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