Today marks Easter Sunday in the United States, a day of resurrection and rebirth and I find myself thinking about how we who are living can be reborn in our own lives. Perhaps we can do so by making the decision to take better care of our physical and mental health.

So many of us still are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to rage across the globe. So many of us have found ourselves living with anxiety, depression and loneliness. We find ourselves unable to sleep well. We find our appetite has changed. We find our minds racing. We find ourselves unable to connect physically with far-away friends and loved ones, leaving us feeling lonely and detached. We do not have to continue to live this way. There are decisions we can make to ease the burden of these feelings.

I often say that it takes more courage to reach out for help than it does to suffer in silence. It is okay to not be okay and it is okay to seek assistance in dealing with anxiety, depression, loneliness and disconnection. It is okay to make the decision to take charge of your mental health, just as it is to make decisions that are good for your physical health. Talking to a professional about whatever you may be suffering with emotionally should be no different than going to a professional about your physical health. Make the decision to take care of yourself: mind, body and soul. Make the decision to take care of you.

Many of us have found during this global health crisis that we have turned to alcohol or other substances to help us through. Perhaps you have found that you are drinking more or smoking more marijuana or using cocaine, heroin or other opioids to help get you through this difficult time. Perhaps your use has become problematic. It is okay to make the decision to reach out for help to learn how to manage your use, to control your use or to stop using. It is okay to take care of you.

I understand that asking for help to manage depression, anxiety, loneliness, disconnection, substance use can seem daunting. I understand that asking for help can feel scary, especially if you have never spoken to a professional about your mental health or substance use issues. Know that we are here to help. Know that we will not judge you for struggling; we all struggle sometimes. Know that you are not alone in your struggles. Nearly one in five people live with mental illness at any one time. Likely more than not you know someone else who is struggling with mental health concerns.

Some people may believe that living with mental illness or substance use disorders make them weak. This could not be further from the truth. Mental illnesses and substance use disorders are not flaws in character; they are flaws in chemistry. They are illnesses, just like any other illnesses, and can be treated. Make the decision to get help if you need it. You deserve to take care of your mental health. You deserve to live free of the shackles of substance use disorders. You deserve to live a happy, healthy life. All you have to do is make the decision to reach out. All you have to do is make the decision to ask for help. There are people who care and who want to help you be reborn in happiness.