As a mind-body practice, yoga shows us that our physical and mental well-being are inextricably connected. But while many of us talk openly about our physical health struggles, mental health issues are still largely shrouded in stigma. Widespread lack of understanding has created shame around these issues, causing many to suffer in silence for fear of judgment and discrimination.
Studies show that at least one in five American adults struggles with their mental health, but societal pressures prevent many from seeking treatment that could drastically improve their well-being, or from sharing a diagnosis with friends and family. The stress of hiding a mental illness can worsen symptoms, increasing the risk of suicide in some cases. In short, stigma is a formidable and unacceptable barrier to wellness.
Whether you’re struggling personally or it’s someone you know, mental health issues affect us all, and we’re all responsible for creating a stigma-free society. We do this by educating ourselves, opening up to each other, and taking the conversation mainstream. We do it by choosing compassion, remaining vigilant about how we speak about mental illness, and gently guiding others to do the same.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re grateful to have shared intimate and meaningful conversations with a few of our teachers. They opened up to us about their personal experiences navigating their mental well-being, as well as the tools they’ve used to support themselves along the way.
To hear their full stories, head to our Instagram throughout the month of May for our first ever Pop-Up Podcast. Follow us! http://www.instagram.com/yogaglo
EP 1: Taylor Harkness’ launch, 5/3
EP 2: Stephanie Snyder’s launch, 5/8
EP 3: Marc Holzman’s launch, 5/15
Ep 4: Trudy Goodman’s launch, 5/22
Glo’s Mental Health Toolbox
We encourage you to create a wellness toolbox that empowers and supports you, whatever that looks like for you. And to anyone whose lives have been affected by mental health issues: we see you, we value you, and we hope that in any big or small way our offerings support you, just as you are.
Sideline Stress: https://glo.yoga/2DGjK6B
Mindful Morning: https://glo.yoga/2ITVhin
Don’t Panic: https://glo.yoga/2LfZPBH
Self-Love Sweat Fest: https://glo.yoga/2VCqFYv
To see more, visit: https://glo.yoga/2J4F7BX
We believe in the power of movement and meditation—whether it’s moving our bodies, our minds, or the world in a positive direction. We hope our curated classes guide you on your journey.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, it’s important to seek treatment from a mental health professional. While yoga and meditation can be supportive tools, they are not a cure or substitute for professional treatment. If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, or you have a friend or family member in crisis, call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be connected to a trained counselor and receive a list of resources in your area.
