"I'm a Porsche with no brakes"
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With current economic uncertainties, pandemic isolation, lack of access to mental health coverage, and increase in suicides, I’m using this month to raise awareness and funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (“NAMI”). NAMI is “the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness."
To contribute to the alliance, I’ve designed 5 sets of “Little Bitz’ Tid Bitz” sticky notes for purchase (with 100% of the purchase* going to NAMI). On the sticky notes are some of my favorite mental health reminders. At the top of the stick notes is space to write down any of the phrases (or one’s own) that resonate, and the portion with my “Tid Bitz” can be cut off to emphasize the chosen reminder.
Like so many, I’ve been on my own mental health journey, especially during the pandemic. Life can be intense! If you’ve ever experienced anxiety, depression, overwhelm, seasonal sadness, lack of self-confidence, or any other feeling other than “okay,” that’s okay! As Michigan-born rapper ИF reminds his listeners "there are millions of us just like you." You’re not alone.
Whenever I’m feeling a bit “down” or just need a little pick-me-up, I reference my own collection of Tid Bitz, and I also turn to music. One of my favorite songs is “Unstoppable" by Sia. It’s an emotional and explosive anthem by the Australian singer. After her chorus’ triumphant first line, “I’m unstoppable!,” Sia continues with a metaphorical declaration: “I’m a Porsche with no brakes!”
As I was just part of a round of layoffs at an automotive company, this car reference got my “wheels spinning” differently than it had in previous listens. It reminded me that not everyone feels “unstoppable.”
Unfortunately, some have found that they have simply “run out of gas,” as suicide rates have been climbing (particularly for younger minorities and communities most affected by the pandemic). Factors contributing to this increase include, but are not limited to, “[f]inancial stress, social isolation, substance use, barriers to health care and access to lethal means like firearms” (firearms being the most common method used).
While COVID was the pandemic of 2020, unaddressed mental health issues may be the new “pandemic.” I personally know two people who took their own lives between November 2022 and January 2023, due to mental health struggles.
Did they believe they had no other way to “exit” the road they were on? I don’t know. I do know, however, that any step to raise mental health awareness (and remove any stigma around it) is essential.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a few reminders around the home or other space, please consider purchasing my “Little Bitz’ Tid Bitz” Post-Its®. It’s a small step, but small steps can make a huge difference! Also, make sure to check out the NAMI’s Mental Health Awareness Month #MoreThanEnough campaign to raise awareness on social media!
Why sticky notes? In addition to my own love for them, there are many reasons:
Writing things down physically connects us to desired thoughts. It stimulates “more robust brain activation in multiple areas and better memory recall” (compared to typing them into a phone, for example).
They serve as visual reminders. Seeing what one’s written adds a visual reminder to refocus on desired thoughts.
It could help with thought reframing. “Thought reframing” (a technique often used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can help your brain respond to negative thoughts, like “I’m not enough,” with more positive truths, such as “I am more than enough.”
Among others.
Why Little Bitz’? When I was little, I pronounced my middle name “Little Bit.”
Other questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Thank you!
If you or a loved one are in a crisis, please consider calling one of these helplines for immediate support:
NAMI: Call1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text "HelpLine" to 62640, or e-mail helpline@nami.org
AFSP: Call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741
*with the exception of processing fees that are built into the purchase price
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