May is Mental Health Awareness Month and “it’s completely normal to feel completely abnormal right now”

<p>“Kaiser Family Foundation has done some interesting survey work,” says Finkelstein. “Looking at the rates of anxiety and depression type symptoms in 2019 compared to now, there's been a huge bump. Anxiety and depression symptoms and substance use are all on the rise. Interestingly, the suicide rate has not risen to the extent that people were concerned about.”</p><p>In a conversation last May, Dr. Finkelstein told me she would love for everybody to know how completely normal it is to feel completely abnormal right now.</p><p>“That's it in a nutshell. It happens to everybody. Sometimes you just can't feel like you have the enthusiasm to face the day. I think all of us go through periods of varying emotions. And it doesn't mean you're crazy if you're feeling anxious or worried or depressed. With everything, there's a range. Feeling symptoms of anxiety does not equal having an anxiety disorder. But having an anxiety disorder doesn't make you abnormal. You are among many. We've all got a little something.”</p><p>In that <a href="https://msualumnipodcasts.transistor.fm/episodes/show-compassion-balance-mental-and-physical-health-advise-msu-health-professionals">May 2020 conversation</a>, Dr. Finkelstein added that an adage she lives by it that “it’s never all in your head and it's never all in your body. We have done a disservice in splitting our mental health and our physical health because they're intimately related to each other.”</p><p>Dr. Finkelstein talks about her <a href="https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/five-tips-for-going-back-into-the-real-world">five tips to help our emergence into a new normal</a>. </p><p>“Do not forget joy, whimsy, and laughter.”</p><p>“Don’t be a jerk.”</p><p>"Remember what is my business, your business, and universal business, and respond accordingly."</p><p>“Find common ground.”</p><p>"Keep an eye on yourself and each other. Remember to heed the words of Bill and Ted and be excellent to each other."</p><p>She believes there are some good things that have come out of the p