MacAulay On Mental Health Day

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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MacAulay on Mental Health Day: My Totally Honest (and Slightly Messy) Journey

Hey everyone, it's MacAulay here. And yeah, today's Mental Health Day. Which, honestly? Feels kinda weird to even say that out loud. Like, it's a day dedicated to something I used to think was, well, weak. Boy, was I wrong.

<h3>The "Tough Guy" Charade</h3>

For years, I played the tough-guy role. The "I'm fine, everything's great" act. You know the one. My problems? I stuffed 'em down, like shoving a whole pizza into a too-small box. It just didn't work.

I remember one particularly brutal period—around two years ago. I was juggling a demanding job, a rocky relationship (more rocky than the Grand Canyon!), and the constant pressure to "succeed." My sleep became awful. Like, I'd be up at 3 a.m. just staring at the ceiling, my mind racing faster than a caffeinated squirrel. And the exhaustion? Don't even get me started. It felt like I was running a marathon every single day, only to wake up and do it all over again.

I didn't reach out for help, not for a long time. Pride, plain and simple. It felt like admitting defeat. But I was slowly drowning, one sleepless night at a time.

<h3>The Breaking Point (and the Pizza)</h3>

Then it hit me. I was at work, staring at a spreadsheet (ironically, one detailing projected profits), when a wave of pure exhaustion and despair crashed over me. I actually started crying right there in my cubicle. A grown man, bawling like a baby. And let's just say that wasn't the proudest moment.

That's when I knew things had to change. Seriously change. I finally went to see a therapist. It was a big step, and initially I was anxious about admitting I had problems. I needed to take care of my mental health. That evening I ordered a giant pizza. (Hey, it was a bad day, and pizza is therapy, right?)

<h3>Finding My Way (With a Little Help From My Friends...and Professionals)</h3>

Therapy wasn't magic, it wasn't some instant fix. I learned a lot though! It was hard work, lots of uncomfortable self-reflection. But, slowly, things started to shift. I learned how to identify my triggers—work stress, relationship drama, lack of sleep. The small things!

I also started practicing mindfulness and meditation—those apps are really a big help! It's helped me become more present in the moment, and not get so caught up in the anxieties. Small steps but huge improvements.

Here are a few things that helped me:

• Therapy: Seriously, don't underestimate the power of talking to a professional. Find someone you click with. It takes time, but it's worth it.
• Mindfulness/Meditation: Even five minutes a day can make a difference. There are tons of free apps to help you get started.
• Exercise: Getting my body moving, even a short walk, helped clear my head.
• Healthy sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, even if your schedule is demanding.
• Support system: Reach out to friends and family.

Remember this: Mental health isn't a destination; it's a journey. There will be good days and bad days. It’s okay not to be okay. It's okay to ask for help. That's the first step in taking control of your own wellbeing.

This Mental Health Day, let's ditch the stigma. Let's talk about it. Let's support each other. And let's remember that it's totally okay to not be okay. You're not alone. I promise. And hey, sometimes a big pizza helps too. 😉