Trish Lawson's Reflections

Well, we are in the midst of another hot and humid Indiana summer and this is the time I usually look forward to; schools out, Faith Formation gets a brief break and then the reality hits! Summer sports, summer school, summer bowling league, driver’s ed…where is the break I was looking forward to?! 

Yes, this is my reality this summer and while I feel more like a part time Uber driver for teens, I am not sure I would change one single bit of it. You see, for me too much downtime is my kryptonite. I am sure you have all seen the cartoon where the character is lying in bed all relaxed and in the next frame, the thought bubble states, “If Tarzan is King of the Jungle, then why no beard?” The cartoon character’s eye pop wide open and are pondering that puzzle! That is what it is like for me. I must be busy either with work, crafts, family and friends; or I get on the sidetrack train. I notice that my children carry that same trait as me so the plan of a busy summer of activities of their choice was a welcome change for us.

My thoughts aren’t always silly “Tarzan” ponders, mine are more along the lines of more serious situations and ones born out of my diagnosed moderate anxiety and depression and is usually something I have no control over. The month of May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month; and while I can appreciate the added attention to this very real and debilitating health issue, it goes far beyond a month-long recognition. 

There has been this stigma built around mental health; and this really upsets me. As I mentioned, I have been diagnosed with moderate anxiety and depression. With all that the last few years have dealt with for myself and my family, it would be more shocking to not feel some level of anxiety or depression. Another layer to the stigma is shame. As a recipient of years and years of bullying from elementary through high school, I carried so much shame about myself because I let others define my worth (or lack thereof). My own parents didn’t know what I experienced until after I had Johnny because I finally had the courage to face the shame placed upon me. The day I walked into my therapist's office and began the hard work was the day I regained the person who had been hidden or protected inside.

Now, yes, I know it is summertime, and I am just now talking about this, but just because May is the awareness month, Mental Health is twelve months and can and should be talked about anytime beyond May. 

I decided back when Johnny was a baby that I would make sure that my children, my family and friends knew that I am always a safe place to land. I will listen, never judge, and will do whatever I can to help anyone within my power. My parents, family and friends could not be my safe place then because they didn’t know I needed that safe place, I held all of that inside. 

We are living in a different time now and with social media, I personally find it far scarier, and it further solidifies why supporting each other through the highs and lows of life is so pertinent. Imagine if we chose to build each other up and offered to be that safe place to land how our world would look? How would it feel?

I will leave you with this: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

Much love and unwavering support,

Trish