5 mental health greeting cards (and who to send them to)

Neurodiversity is Neat

When a friend or a loved one - or even you - are diagnosed with a mental health condition, sometimes finding the right words can be difficult. I know it was for me. After being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, it took awhile for me to be okay with it. I was confused and I felt defeated. Family and friends had a hard time with my openness about my diagnosis (at first) and I don’t blame them.

Conquering shame

But here is something I’ve learned. A mental health diagnosis isn’t shameful - it is just a diagnosis. Think of it as a roadmap. It’s something that gives you the clarity you need to find the right treatment and to make the right changes in your lifestyle so that you can be healthier and happier. I wish I had been diagnosed years ago! But I’m happy to have my roadmap now.

Finding the right words

When I created this second collection of mental health greeting cards, I thought about the words I wanted to hear on those days when I couldn’t overcome that feeling of defeat. Here’s what I want you to take to heart: Every step you take towards your best self is a victory. So why not celebrate?

5 people to send a mental health card to

1. Send a note to your therapist

Hey, you’re in therapy and that means you’re thriving. Saying thanks to your therapist for being there through good times and bad goes a long way.

2. Celebrate a friend who is prioritizing their mental health.

They’ve conquered negative self-talk, spent time caring for themselves, and are maintaining a health routine that could be completely new. That’s something to be proud of.

3. Write a letter to yourself and see how far you’ve come.

While you’re at it, play a little game of mental health bingo and work hard on crossing them all off. In a year from now, you’ll be amazed at how your life has changed for the better.

4. Support a friend whose achieved sobriety.

Achieving and maintaining sobriety is no easy feat. Having a friend celebrating that monumental accomplishment by your side means the world.

5. Say a kind word to a friend coping with their mental health diagnosis.

It’s okay not to have the right words after a friend (or you) are diagnosed with a mental health condition. It takes time to accept it, and turn it into a positive force in your life. But there’s one thing a diagnosis is not and that is defeat. You’re stronger because you’re empowered with knowledge about your own health and well-being. And the best is yet to come.

I’d love to hear who you’d send these greeting cards to.