When I first started Floramye, we decided to donate 5% of the profits to mental health organizations. At the time, this felt like an awkward and somewhat taboo choice. Lately, it has become a “hot topic”, which is important progress! I just had a text chat with a friend where we both admitted to feeling depressed. He said the conversation gave him hope. It also inspired me to talk about my own struggles with anxiety and depression.
I have supported mental health without ever explaining why. I thought I was protecting my kids, but now I realize that talking about mental health is healthy for all of our children. Gone are the days where suffering in silence is the norm. I’m inspired each day on Instagram by brave, honest voices openly discussing very difficult subjects (including @alexa_curtis, @thebalancedblonde, @sararaddin also, of course, @chrissyteigen.) I’m not sure if they realize how much of a leap this is.
I first suffered from depression as a teen. Not going to school and sleeping all day on a mattress with no sheets, for example. My family didn’t talk about it, but they managed to take me to a psychiatrist who put me on medication. My dad told me I just needed exercise. During college, I walked in on my friend and thwarted her suicide attempt. In my 20’s, a different friend did kill himself. Most of us had no idea he was in so much pain.
Currently, we are all suffering in different, and similar, ways. I find myself keeping it together for my family, but pulling that off some days much better than others. Please stay in touch with each other, and let’s keep it real.
Be well, my friends. Reach out anytime, I’m here for you.
xx Allison
(not pictured… baby steps!)