Pumpkin Spice and Mental Health Day by Lynn Lovegreen

 Thanks to Starbucks and other enterprising people, fall is pumpkin spice time. It started with pumpkin spice drinks, and now you can get almost everything in pumpkin spice flavor or scent. Personally, I don’t mind a taste (or whiff) of pumpkin spice, but I prefer it in pies. Lattes just aren’t my thing. But no judgement—we all have our passions.

 

It’s also Mental Health Day. Why am I bringing it up? Because for some, the two are connected.

 

We often give ourselves treats or rewards we do for ourselves. Nowadays, we call that self-care. It’s good to do something nice now and then, to remind us of our worth and give ourselves a break when needed. In my case, it’s usually chocolate. If drinking a pumpkin spice drink does that for you, go for it! You’re worth it!

 

Happy pumpkin spice season. And happy Mental Health Day! Do something good for yourself today.

 

P. S. It’s okay to get professional help with your mental health, just like going to a doctor when you have a physical illness. Don’t be afraid to reach out. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Or try the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787. In other countries, check out your local resources. You’re not alone. We’re all in this together.

Lynn Lovegreen has lived in Alaska for most of her life. After twenty years in the classroom, she retired to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and volunteering for her local library. Her young adult historical romance is set in Alaska, a great place for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com.