# @pietensart on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CU2jceaheRe
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/14961651-pietensart-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/e130b878c7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-10-10T15:02:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** PietensArt (@PietensArt) — https://gondola.cc/PietensArt

## Caption

October 10th is #worldmentalhealthday.  Today is about raising awareness for mental health issues and advocating for mental health care. 
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I find it interesting that we simultaneously use masks to help combat threats to our physical health while using metaphorical masks to hide the threats to our mental health.  Today is about taking those metaphorical masks off and letting others know that they are not alone...that it's OK to not be OK. 
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Many of you are probably aware that I have anxiety and that I try my best to advocate for mental health care.  So if you're tired of hearing me talk about this then GOOD... I am doing my job better than I thought!  I know from experience that discussion helps.
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I was able to take major leaps in my own mental well-being these past 2 years, not only because of my pursuit of art, but because I tell others about it.  Talking to others not only helps ME feel better, but occasionally also helps shed some light on others' potential struggles. 
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Just like my art, my mental journey doesn't have an end goal.  I know I will always have anxiety and I'm OK with that now.  But every week I learn more and more about how to manage it and even use it to my advantage. 
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It may be scary to do so at first, but if you're struggling with mental health, PLEASE reach out to someone.  The stigma attached to mental illness is starting to fade especially with big name athletes joining in on the conversation. 
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As always, thanks so much for the support everyone!  Have a wonderful weekend!
- Dan
PS no chirping the Leafs hat!  Let's keep this positive lol
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#worldmentalhealthday #anxiety #endthestigmaofmentalhealth #youcanbehappy #mentalhealth 
anxiety_canada nhl

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## Tags

anxiety, youcanbehappy, mentalhealth, endthestigmaofmentalhealth, worldmentalhealthday

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