Speaking out about Mental Heath @ Luxe Beauty Vault
I just wanted to take a second and talk about mental health week. Did you know? An estimated 1 in 4 Canadians has a degree of depression serious enough to need treatment at some time in his or her life. We all face our struggles, and sometimes it is challenging to feel like your best self when we have so much on our plate. Moms, we often put everyone before ourselves and often forget to refill our self-love cup. I too, struggle from mental health. It does not make us any less of a person to voice our struggles or reach out for help. I want you to know something, are you ready? … you are not alone in this battle! Seeking help can be scary. I know. I too have been there, after my daughter was born, I struggled with depression and anxiety for many years. I still suffer from anxiety, but I am so thankful I did reach out for help. I was finally on a path of loving myself and loving the life I was given. I was shown tools on how to navigate these feelings and life transformed. If you are ever facing a mental health struggle, please reach out talk to a friend or family member that you’re comfortable sharing with or a medical professional.
I want you to know that at Luxe Beauty Vault “the walls don’t talk”. Often during our sessions, we do talk and vent and that is okay. Please know that what you say in the studio stays in the studio, we are a safe place to talk. Please note I am not educated in mental health but have navigated it myself, I am happy to always chat or put you in touch with a resource to help you.
Helpful tips that I find have helped me!
1. Be prepared by putting an orange, Yes, an Orange. In the freezer. When you start to feel anxious and overwhelmed you can take the orange out of the freezer and do the 5 senses trick! It sounds silly but it has been something I learned and found useful. "The “5-4-3-2-1” helps to bring your mind back to the present using the senses- sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. The first step is to identify five things you can see. Next, find four things you can hear, three things you can feel, two things you can smell and one you can taste" 2. Fresh Air - Go outside and breathe, Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly. Maybe a walk around the block with your fur-friend or just to listen to the birds outside.
3. Drink some water! - you may not realize it, but not drinking enough water can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Dehydration can actually cause heart palpitations. This can lead to feelings of panic, which may trigger an anxiety attack. Take a few moments to relax and drink a large glass of water and see if you feel any better.
4. Self-care - Time for a nice warm relaxing bath, throw a calming playlist on and have a self-care day. It is crucial to our wellbeing to recharge our batteries, find something that makes you happy! Maybe painting or reading. Selfcare can mean many things to each of us, differently.
Lastly, but most importantly If you are ever in need here are a few helpful numbers to call. They offer private, confidential, & Free 24/7 help in a time of crisis or mental health emergency.
Distress Centre Calgary at 403-266-HELP (4357) 24-Hour Support
Access Mental Health at 403-943-1500
Canadian Mental Health Association - 403-297-1700
Urgent Help - Mental Health / Walk-in
Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre (SMCHC), located in the Beltline
South Calgary Health Centre (SCHC), located in the far south near Shawnessy/Sundance
Both centers are open 7 days per week, every day of the year, with SMCHC being open 24 hours per day and SCHC open from 8 am – 10 pm. Urgent Mental Health assistance is available at both sites from 8 am – 10 pm every day. SCHC also provides walk-in, single-session counseling at no fee with variable hours during the week.
Location information:
Sheldon Chumir: 1213 – 4thStreet SW
South Calgary Health Centre: 31 Sunpark Plaza SE or call 403-943-9300 to find out the hours of their walk-in counseling service