BIG TENT ATTRACTION:  Mental Health 

“How are you feeling?”

This is a very different question to ‘how are you?’  When asked ‘how are you?’ I usually respond with a ‘good thanks’ or a brief description of my most recent physical symptoms.  However, I’ve noticed lately that my close friends are side stepping this traditional greeting question and are more often asking me about my feelings.  ‘How are you feeling today Fee?’

The response to the ‘how are you feeling?’ question is more confrontational, raw and real.  It isn’t glossed over with a clowns smile and the murmuring of an automated ‘good thanks’.  This question is greeted with an insight as to how I’m really traveling through this life changing journey.

I understand that this question isn’t for everyone.  I understand that not everyone can or is comfortable in asking this question and engaging in a different dialogue.  I think it takes a lot to ask this question.  By asking this question you are indicating that a different level of conversation is wanted.  A different level of conversation is welcomed and can be handled.

I also understand that there is a time and place for it.  A work team meeting or a random catch up in the street probably don’t scream raw conversation of feelings opportunity.  However when an opportunity does arrive I must say I am very grateful when asked the question.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my feelings of fear, loneliness and anxiety.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to give my mental health the attention it needs.

There is a lot I’ve learned already on this journey.  I’ve quickly learned that the health of my mental thoughts is going to be just as important for my survival as is balancing  the chemicals and toxins in my body.  I’ve learnt that this is the year I say goodbye to my kidneys but it can’t be the year I say goodbye to my mind as well.

Going to work, talking daily to friends, sleeping enough, writing this blog, receiving your messages, laughing and hearing your stories are all activities that are helping my mental health.  These are activities that I proactively seek and know I need.  I know my mental health needs this support, needs this attention.

So please keep asking me how I feel.  Please keep asking the people around you how they feel.  And when asking this question make sure you are ready for raw and real responses.  Make sure you are ready for a different dialogue.

Thank you my friends and my family for realising that I need this different dialogue.

Thank you my friends and my family for being brave and not shying away.

‘How are you feeling?’