In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, here are 6 real things that changed my relationship to mental health.

1. Reading (the signs). I realized I was unhappy and finally took responsibility for it. When I opened myself up to the idea of help, help arrived. When I opened myself up to the idea of change, I allowed it to happen.

2. Reading (the books) that sparked my interest. I had to curb my own judgment so I could receive the message I needed to hear - even when the package wasn't my aesthetic.

3. Talking (with a therapist) that I found via the internet and a life coach recommended by a friend.

4. Opening up (to friends and peers) about the new journey I was on and the struggles I was facing.

5. Practicing new habits that often felt awkward. Sitting in silence. Being more vulnerable. Bucking my own trends. And being kind to myself.

6. Writing things down to figure out what was going on between my ears.

The process has not been linear and this list is nowhere near exhaustive. These were just the tools most readily available to me at the time.

Which ones might you explore this week?