International Women's Day - #ChooseToChallenge

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Today is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the milestones and achievements of women around the world and to acknowledge the struggles and setbacks of women around the world by deciding to  #ChooseToChallenge gender stereotypes and discrimination.  You can find more information on the history of IWD, how you can participate, resources available to you, and more at www.internationalwomensday.com.

My challenge is for women to take more control over managing their mental health and wellness this year, in their home, in the workplace… in every aspect of their lives. To normalize the conversation for not only women around the world, but men as well, anyone should be able to face their mental health with the same support and opportunities.

It is not uncommon that as women we are called “unstable” when we are having bad mental health days, but for men, they are usually “dealing with a lot”... Ladies, are you ok with this stereotype?  If not, how can you challenge mental health and wellness support and normalization across the board?

-Advocate for health and wellness programs through your workplace, in your community, in your place of worship, within your local schools, anywhere that you can identify the need for individuals to feel comfortable and supported in discussing their mental health.

-Start a group in your neighborhood or within your organization for people to get together and talk about their mental health and wellness, strides and struggles, support each other,  and help to raise them up and feel safe opening up.

-Wipe your schedule clean and focus on YOU!  Let’s face it, no one will ever truly know how many tasks you are juggling, so take care of yourself. For one day, the to-do list can wait, your mental wellness comes first.  Take a day and meet with your friends, do something you love together and relax!

What will you #ChooseToChallenge today and why?

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