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Mental Health Matters: My 4 Essentials for Navigating the Blues
Dear Plant Magic Lovers,
I want to take a moment to talk about something deeply important: mental health . Sometimes, looking at ourselves in the mirror and admitting that we are not okay is the bravest thing we can do. Whether we need help or simply aren’t feeling like sunshine, it’s completely natural, normal, healthy, and fearless to acknowledge those moments. It’s all part of our beauty vibration — honoring the seasons of life. Sometimes we’re riding high, glowing with energy; other times, we’re navigating steady waters; and sometimes, we find ourselves in rougher currents, deeper places that feel dark and heavy.
This year has been one of those harder seasons for me. I had to stop and say, "I am not okay." I had to pause everything, even my creative projects, to take care of myself. I trusted that everything would flow once I was feeling in a higher state of vibration. Mental health therapy for women is crucial because, love, when we aren’t okay, it’s hard for anything around us to feel okay.
I’m 46 years old, and I grew up in a time when mental health wasn’t something people openly talked about. I saw family members struggle with depression or other mental illnesses, often labeled “crazy.” That stigma stayed with them. But what I’ve learned is that mental health is everything—without caring for it, nothing else seems to fall into place. It took me time to admit that I wasn’t okay, and even longer to rebuild my strength, but I did, and I’m so thankful for the tools that helped me rise.
As I navigated through depression and grief due to the loss of a deeply important relationship, I realized there were six pillars of mental health for women I couldn’t live without: therapy, friends, community, nature, self-care, faith, and herbs . These pillars held me, healed me, and continue to help me thrive.
Therapy: A Path to Emotional Healing
The first lifeline I reached for was therapy. It was in therapy that I found a safe space to process all my emotions. If you’re wondering, "How does therapy contribute to emotional healing?"—therapy allows you to explore your feelings and receive guidance without judgment. I learned that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy gave me the tools to move forward, untangle my emotions, and regain my power.
Whether it’s traditional therapy or Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for trauma , both can break down emotional blockages and help us release the weight we carry.
Friends & Community: The Power of Connection
The second essential pillar was my friends and community . When I felt at my lowest, it was my community that held me up. My friends were there with a hug, a cup of soup, or a simple message to remind me that I wasn’t alone. Community is so important—it’s why we’re here as humans. When one of us is down, the rest rise up, and when others are down, we rise for them.
What are the benefits of friendship and community for mental health?
Studies show that social connections can improve mental well-being and even extend life expectancy. Community provides a sense of belonging and reminds us that we are never alone on our journey.
Reconnecting with Nature for Mental Health
Then, there was nature . I found so much healing through reconnecting with nature for mental health . Stepping outside, feeling the sun on my skin, touching the trees, and simply being in the world reminded me of the beauty that exists, even in tough times. Even my plants gave me purpose—they needed me as much as I needed them. Walking my pets or watering my plants grounded me, brought me into the present, and connected me to life’s steady rhythm.
If you’re curious, "How does nature help improve mental well-being?"—spending time in nature has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Even something as simple as caring for plants can foster a sense of peace and well-being.
Holistic Self-Care Rituals for Mental Wellness
Self-care isn’t just about pampering ourselves with spa days (though those are wonderful!); it’s about finding small but powerful ways to nurture ourselves. For me, holistic self-care rituals were a lifeline. Self-care could mean taking a walk, being barefoot in the grass, touching the flowers, or cuddling up with my pets on a heavy day.
If you’re asking, "What are the best self-care rituals for mental health?"—rituals like journaling, mindfulness, and even brushing your hair or making tea can bring a sense of comfort. Grounding practices for mental well-being , like walking in nature or practicing mindfulness, can help us return to the present moment and ease mental strain.
Faith and Spirituality in Healing
Faith was another essential part of my healing process. For those of us who believe in something greater than ourselves, faith and spirituality serve as a powerful anchor. In moments of uncertainty, prayer, meditation, or even setting intentions helped me feel more centered and gave me a sense of purpose when everything felt overwhelming.
What is the role of faith in mental health?
Studies show that faith-based practices, such as prayer or meditation, can reduce stress, provide hope, and improve mental health outcomes, especially during challenging times.
Herbal Remedies for Emotional Wellness
Finally, there were the herbs. Herbal remedies for emotional wellness have been my greatest teachers. Herbs supported me through my grief, grounding my body and calming my mind when I felt disconnected. Whether through herbal teas or essential oils, these plants guided me back to peace. If you’ve ever wondered, "What herbs are effective for mental and emotional wellness?"—I’ve relied on these healing plants:
Cacao: The medicine of the heart, cacao opens emotional pathways, allowing us to feel and heal. It’s a powerful heart-opener that brings love and joy, even in times of sorrow.
Passionflower: A nervine herb that works wonders in calming anxiety and supporting relaxation. Passionflower has long been known for its soothing properties.
Holy Basil (Tulsi): A revered adaptogen that balances stress hormones and supports the body in coping with emotional and physical stress. Tulsi has been used for centuries for its healing powers.
Chamomile: Small but mighty, chamomile gently calms the mind and promotes restful sleep. It’s perfect for those anxious moments when you need a little peace.
- Valerian: Known for its ability to heal emotional trauma and improve sleep, valerian root is a powerful herb for deep emotional processing.
Every night, I would perform a sacred grounding practice by massaging my feet with Ceremonial Body Oil, blending aromatherapy and herbal wisdom. The scent and touch brought me back to my body, lifted my spirits, and helped me reconnect with joy. These simple but profound rituals reminded me that healing is a journey, not a destination.
I’m happy to share that I’m in a much better place now. My creativity is flowing again, and though there are still moments of sadness, I have the tools to carry me through. These six pillars— therapy, friends, community, nature, self-care, faith, and herbs —have been essential to my healing journey, and I invite you to explore them for yourself.
If you’re struggling, remember, it’s completely okay not to be okay. The first step is acknowledging it and reaching out for support. You’d be surprised how much healing can come from that simple act of courage.
With love and light,
Meleesa Luna
