MORNIN’ MOTIVATIONS: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The month of may recognizes the importance of maintaining good mental health

Author and blogger Caitlyn Scaggs says a key to doing that is having healthy connections.

But what is a healthy connection?

“Healthy connection has give and take. It is mutual and balanced. Healthy connection also has boundaries and clarity around the relationship,” explains Scaggs.

“In the simplest terms, your healthy connections are the people you feel physically and emotionally safe with,” she says.

Scaggs says that connection matters both in terms of what we can do to love and serve others, but also how we can allow others to love and serve us.

Life’s best moments happen in the context of connection!

Think about your best friends and all that you’ve experienced together - from the everyday ups and downs to mountain top moments like weddings, graduations, and vacations.

Relationships make the good days even better and the hard days things that we can overcome.

We asked Scaggs, for those who are feeling isolated or without connections, what steps should they take?

“Be stubborn in your resolve to find connection! Do not give up or get discouraged,” she says. “Meaningful connection can be found within our families, through hobbies, within faith communities, or even in our workplaces.”

There are many mental health resources in our area, including Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare and Carilion Mental Health Services.