New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #126!

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#stopthestigma #MentalHealthAwareness

In case you haven't seen my other May posts for Mental Health Awareness month, check them out by scrolling down. Today's coloring page isn't just about mental health, it includes other invisible issues including illnesses and injuries. Don't judge. Don't assume. You are better off giving everyone the benefit of the doubt and just be nice. You never know what someone is going through or what they have been dealing with. Choose kindness. Offer support or even just a shoulder to lean on. Be present for your friends and family. Be present for others - even if you don't know them. Imagine what our world would look like. 

Personal story - Last week, I was at an outdoor garden with my family and it was 3 or 4 miles of walking. I have bad knees, so I use a cane when walking distances. While taking pictures, I tossed the cane to the side and a group of women sitting and enjoying the mountain/garden view said, "Yea, you don't want to look like you need a cane." I've thought a lot about this. I do need a cane. There is no way I could have walked for 2 hours through the gardens and up and down stairs without it. I didn't need her comment - she should have kept it to herself. She didn't know me or have any clue what my injuries are or why I need the walking support. Keep it simple. Don't judge. 

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #120!

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    Today is day 429 of quarantine and it's May 3rd. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and with the pandemic year being soo challenging for many and those with and without mental health challenges are all feeling additional stress. I started these coloring pages last year because drawing them helps me handle both the stress and anxiety created by everything happening during the pandemic. I'm not going to list what has been causing stress, because I'm not sure that is helpful, but here's a list of just some things that could help you reduce stress or anxiety - 

seeking a friend to talk to, coloring or drawing, listening to music, crocheting or knitting or painting, reading a book, doing a crossword puzzle, taking a walk, playing with a pet, baking, watching a funny movie, etc... 

    Whatever you use to reduce stress is for you. If these suggestions are not enough and you need more help, please contact your doctor and get a referral to a therapist - we have many great ones here in Atlanta. 

The Blue Dove Foundation is a wonderful group that helps people with mental health and substance abuse. 

"The Blue Dove Foundation was created to help address the issues of mental illness and addiction in the Jewish community and beyond. Based in Atlanta, we work with people and organizations across the United States and around the world."

If you'd like to learn more about the Blue Dove Foundation, check out their website by clicking on the photo below:  

If you'd like to make a donation, click here - thebluedovefoundation.org/donate.