#MentalHealthMonday

1/13/2020

The past week has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. I’ve been in a very negative mental state. And I’m afraid the next week or two may follow the same pattern. I have some real struggles happening around the farm right now, and I’ve had a hard time dealing with the stress. Learning to deal with stress, especially around the farm, will be a lifelong lesson. I’m sure there are a lot of people who can relate to this.

I’m not complaining, I knew farming would be stressful. I mean that’s why I started Mental Health Monday, so we all have somewhere we can vent, talk, get out the feelings we need to get out.

Something I’ve always known, but am learning more, is that certain social media platforms have more grace than other. This is exactly why I’ve never had, nor will I ever have, twitter. I feel like I would be eaten alive on that platform. I’m very open and honest with everything that is going on in my life and the farm. Maybe too open in some people’s opinions. Apparently, it’s a type of therapy for me. To tell my story, and to know that I’m not alone.

I would say my main social platform is Instagram. I’ve built an amazing community through Instagram and honestly made some lifelong friends. It’s been an awesome experience and I’m so thankful for every single person who supports my journey. Every person who cheers me on, and is there when I need someone to lean on. Who knew social media would have this power?

As much as it has the power to bring happiness, it has the power to take it away. Now that I’m exploring new social media platforms, I’m realizing I can’t be as open in other places. There are areas where I will be criticized for making mistakes, for being human. All the sudden I’m spoiled, I don’t work, what am I even doing pretending to be a farmer?

People say to ignore these comments, it comes with the territory. Which I somewhat agree with, but also, what happened to – If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. I often wonder, if this person came to my farm would they say these things to my face? Sadly, I believe some would. And others I think are keyboard warriors, hiding behind a keyboard, bashing others.

I’m not saying I’m innocent, but think about what you’re saying, even if you’re typing it out. Your rude comments are not going without consequence. People are struggling daily, and people who are opening up their lives to you through social media are doing it because they trust you. We want to connect, we don’t want to be bashed. Yes, I am opening my life to judgment, but judge silently. Don’t be rude. You really have no idea what you’re doing to people’s mental state.

If you don’t like me, don’t follow me. That’s all I can really say. I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and I don’t want to be. I want to be me.

-Tara