Brené Brown speaks to my soul. It’s expected that we can do it all, handle it all, and be it all. On top of it, we think we need to do it alone – be a superhero! The pandemic has proven time and time again that we aren’t meant to be alone. Although we’re staying apart, connection doesn’t have to die along with it. Mental health challenges are amplified when we’re isolated and it makes our journeys harder. Our to-do lists are piling up, life is still going on, and to keep everyone safe, we’re staying away from others. We can still ask for support from our people, the manner in which it is given or received has just shifted. I’m not very good at asking for support until I’m overwhelmed and I’m headed toward burnout. Now that I’ve made a shift in my mindset during “the new normal,” it’s been freeing (and terrifying) to ask for support. It’s scary to not be in control and it’s also nice to not have to be the “end all, be all” for every aspect of life. We have a community – use it.

Kristen Ellis

Kristen has worked in the mental health field since 2013, with a focus on crisis work, substance use services, and bringing a voice to lived experience. Her ambition is to change the way mental health care and recovery is seen and achieved, so to redefine what it means to defeat adversity. She is a storyteller and the editor of HopeInc.com.