Why #MentalHealthMonth Matters
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We interviewed Pamela Lynne Sorensen of High Frequency Consulting to get her thoughts on the importance of bringing the mental health movement to light.
1. Why is Mental Health Awareness Month important to you?
As a society, we have put physical health as well as appearance at the top of the “food chain” of importance. As someone who has witnessed the progressive brokenness of spirit in so many, I have thought, why are we not doing something about taking care of our MINDS and our SPIRITS?
It’s time to spin the dial to focus on our mental health and its strength over ALL of our health.
We should be taking the time to ask questions, listen, and engage with people on an authentic level. All too often we are rushing around and doing our best to achieve in our professional lives or showcasing how perfect our lives are on social media that we don’t spend time inwardly checking in on our souls or those of others.
With Mental Health Awareness Month, we are FINALLY addressing the power of our mind and spirit publicly.
2. What tools or tips do you have to share about your own mental health journey?
I believe in the holistic approach to health. Mind, body, and spirit are connected and if we don’t respect each separately AND together, well, it’s like a three legged stool. If one leg is broken, the stool can’t stand solidly.
I had been known to get out of bed, check social media and then go go go until I’d be wiped out at the end of the week. No more. I have made a change in my routine and it’s one without GUILT. My alarm goes off at 6 AM and for an hour, it’s My Time. I spend some time in my bed praying, always with gratitude first, and petting my rescue dog, who saved my life four years ago! HOW you begin your day can have a major effect on how the rest of your 24 hours go. When I get stressed out (because I’m human!) I have learned a few tricks. I take a walk WITHOUT my phone or turn on a comedy show so I can laugh out loud.
I also have some dear friends, an incredible group of women whom I titled on my phone Rock Star Ladies in My Life, and either call one of them or text the group for support. One or all will respond and walk me off the ledge. It’s SO important to have that support group whom you trust wholeheartedly.
3. Why do you think people stay quiet about their own mental health challenges?
Unfortunately, mental health isn’t a “cool” term yet, which is shameful. Society continues to avert its eyes away from individuals who aren’t considered “normal” to its own defined terms. As more people, especially celebrities, start sharing their stories, we are becoming more open to understanding that it’s okay to hurt or feel broken. It’s okay to know that you are not alone. And it’s okay to mend.
4. How has sharing your story inspired others and empowered you?
During my journey to a stronger sense of being, I was forced to face my truth. I had suppressed a multitude of issues when I was younger through my adult years. My personality is all about being happy and positive and making everyone else feel good. I’m a natural people-pleaser. Last year, when I had a very traumatic episode, it was like spring in Manhattan. The ice cracked, it melted, and things began to float to the surface. It was time I began to identify the things that started to surface which I had held down for so many years. My journey to recovery had commenced.
I learned through my own journey that our journeys are never finished, and that is exciting! It’s a sojourn, an adventure, and as the co-creator of our lives, here is where we can be empowered. I found that I am not alone and that everyone has a story, and it is his story, or her story, or your story, and also our truths. When you are able to sit with yourself and be okay with your past and mistakes and brokenness, that’s when you are able to begin to mend and make yourself even better than before.
We cannot do this alone, however. There is power in sharing your narrative with others.
5. Any thoughts for people who are struggling today?
Know that you are not alone and you can ask for help. Know that there are people who want to listen, who care. Do not ignore the signs of depression or struggle.
Step one is to TALK TO SOMEONE who cares about you. Stay away from social media, stay away from the news and stay away from anything or anyone negative in your life.
Find something that brings you JOY and DO IT. Mine is painting. Yours could be writing, or running, or photography. Whatever it is, you have something within you which you desire to do, which brings you joy so spend time doing it!
Lastly, remember those who were there for you. Try to be there for others when they need you and remember, your heart, mind, and spirit are very very important.
Pamela Lynne Sorensen is a Strategic Connector & Consultant. She founded Pamela's Punch (a national influential blog & media platform) in 2006 in the DC region which she ran for 10 years before rebranding with High Frequency Consulting in 2018. She advises clients on BD strategies & introduces them to highly curated connections for new business, partnerships and fundraising.
She has helped to raise millions of dollars for countless non-profits including: Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Humane Rescue Alliance, National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC Central Kitchen, Refugees International, Trust for the National Mall, Leukemia Lymphoma Society NCA & Red Cross NCA. Pamela has had numerous media appearances: FOX News Channel, "Emeril Green" on Planet Green, WJLA, was the "Insider” for the 2009 Wallpaper* Washington, DC Tour Guide and was chosen by Washingtonian as one of “Washington’s 25 Most Beautiful People” in 2002. Pamela mentors founders for the Conscious Venture Lab in Baltimore as well as Unstuck Lab in Rosslyn, VA and was a Mentor for Washington Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday. She resides in Rosslyn with her rescue pup Frasier Simone.