🧠 Mental Health Isn’t a Diagnosis — It’s a Daily Practice
Hi friends, When most people hear the words “mental health,” they picture a diagnosis. A label. A problem. Something that happens to other people—until it suddenly happens to them.
But the truth is:
Mental health is something we all have. And it’s something we can practice—every single day.
💬 What I’ve Learned as a Mental Health Educator
As a nurse and mental health instructor, I’ve spent time teaching students how to recognize clinical symptoms, support patients, and understand mental health conditions.
But what’s stuck with me the most aren’t the textbook definitions—it’s the stories.
The ones where someone says:
“I’m not myself and I don’t know why.”
“I feel like I should be fine, but I’m not.”
“I don’t want to bother anyone with this.”
“I just feel down lately.”
You don’t have to have a diagnosis to feel the weight of anxiety.
You don’t have to be in therapy to deserve support.
You don’t have to be in crisis to prioritize your emotional wellbeing.
🌿 The Practice of Mental Health
Here’s the shift I’ve learned (and continue to relearn):
Mental health isn’t a destination. It’s a daily check-in. A rhythm. A relationship.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. You don’t wait until you have a cavity to care for your dental health—you build small, consistent habits. Mental health deserves that same rhythm.
Here are a few ways you might “practice” mental health:
Saying no when you’re overwhelmed
Taking a deep breath before responding to a triggering moment
Journaling about something that’s been ruminating in your mind
Turning off notifications at night for a digital disconnect
Asking yourself, “What do I need today?” and actually listening
You don’t need to do all of them. You just need to start with one.
I like to think of these practices as stacked stones. On their own, each habit feels small. But over time, they create a foundation—something steady you can come back to when life gets rocky.
You won’t always get it perfect. Some days, your stones might fall. That’s okay.
The practice isn’t about perfection.
It’s about coming back to yourself—again and again and again, as many times as you need.
📝 A Gentle Invitation
If you want to reflect, here are a few questions to sit with:
What does mental health mean to me, beyond diagnoses?
What habits or moments help me feel emotionally grounded?
What’s one small thing I can do this week to support my own wellbeing?
Thanks for reading, my first post!!
Whether you're caring for others, learning to care for yourself, or both—your mental health matters. And you don’t have to wait for a breakdown to begin honoring it.
With compassion,
Jamie D. Yates, MSN, RN
The Compassionate Advocate
🧘 Mental Health Educator | Advocate | Listener | Storyteller