This Week's Light: Mental Health Matters, Zombie Apocalypse Recovery, and New Beginnings

A weekly reflection from the Shared Light community

Hey friends,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to start this week's reflection by shining a light on something that affects all of us, either directly or through someone we love. Mental health struggles are real, they're valid, and they deserve our attention and care.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988. You are not alone, and your life matters.

This month, we've dedicated our podcast to discussing mental health tools, sharing struggles, and bringing these important conversations into the light where healing can happen. Because here's the truth: mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

A Step Forward in Healing

Speaking of seeking help, our little one who has been struggling with friends and school started counseling this week. We're cautiously optimistic because she seemed to really connect with her counselor, which is huge. Finding the right therapist is like finding the right key; when it fits, you know it.

There's something powerful about watching your child take steps toward healing, about seeing them in an environment where their feelings are validated and their struggles are met with professional care and understanding. It reminds us that asking for help isn't giving up; it's choosing to fight for your mental health with the right tools and support.

The Zombie Apocalypse Hits Our House

Now, on a lighter note, Dustie and I both got sick this week, courtesy of our oldest, who apparently decided to share more than just good vibes. I'm talking full-on Walking Dead zombie status, shuffling around the house, making unintelligible groaning sounds, and looking like extras from a horror movie.

If you've ever seen The Walking Dead, you know that moment when the survivors realize they're surrounded and there's no escape? That's exactly how we felt when the illness hit. One minute we're fine; the next we're both stumbling around like we've been bitten by the zombie virus, trying to take care of kids while barely being able to take care of ourselves.

Our little one took the zombie apocalypse seriously and went full survivor mode; she actually put paper on her door to try and prevent the sickness from entering her safe haven. Like a true Walking Dead character, she understood the importance of creating barriers against the infection. Smart kid, honestly.

The difference between us and actual zombies? We were desperately searching for tissues and throat lozenges instead of brains. Though honestly, some days it felt like our brains had already been consumed by the sickness fog.

I attempted to be the hero and work through it, but reality hit hard when I made it about half a day through the worst part of it before admitting defeat. Sometimes even the most determined zombie apocalypse survivor has to acknowledge when they're too sick to function and retreat to their own safe haven.

Intentional Recovery and Family Time

Most of the week was spent in recovery mode, but even while feeling like zombie apocalypse survivors, we remained intentional about our little family. Sometimes taking care of your mental health means accepting that some weeks are just about survival and connection.

We're learning that being present doesn't always mean being at 100%; sometimes it means showing up even when you feel terrible, creating safe spaces even when you're struggling, and prioritizing family connection even when everything else feels overwhelming.

The beauty of intentional family time is that it doesn't require perfection. It just requires presence. Even zombie-level presence counts when it comes from a place of love.

Academic Milestone and Looking Ahead

In the midst of our zombie recovery, I hit a significant milestone: I'm officially done with spring semester! I have a week off from school, which feels like the perfect timing for recovery and family focus. Then it's three classes over the summer before the final push to graduation in December.

There's something surreal about being this close to a goal that once felt impossible. Every completed semester is proof that persistence pays off, that you can balance family, work, and education even when life throws curveballs like sick kids and zombie viruses.

Mental Health and the Power of Community

As we navigate Mental Health Awareness Month, we're reminded that healing happens in community. Whether it's finding the right counselor for your child, supporting each other through illness, or simply showing up for family time even when you feel like a zombie, we don't have to face our struggles alone.

Mental health challenges don't discriminate. They can affect anyone, at any age, in any circumstance. Our little one's journey reminds us that children's mental health is just as important as adult mental health and that early intervention and support can make all the difference.

My cousin, who took his life in 2012, has been on my mind heavily this week. He's someone I think about a few times a week normally, but this past week it's like he's been talking to me, really wanting to make sure we spread the light. His memory serves as a constant reminder of why these conversations matter, why reaching out matters, and why we can never stop fighting to break the stigma around mental health struggles.

What We're Learning About Resilience

This week taught us that resilience isn't about being strong all the time; it's about knowing when to seek help, when to rest, and when to prioritize what matters most. It's about creating space for healing while still showing up for the people you love.

We're learning that mental health awareness isn't just about one month a year; it's about ongoing conversations, consistent support, and the courage to bring our struggles into the light where they can be addressed.

Moving Forward with Hope

As we continue through Mental Health Awareness Month, we're committed to keeping these conversations going. Mental health matters every single day, not just in May. The tools we learn, the support we provide, and the light we share can literally save lives.

Remember: if you're struggling, please reach out. If someone you love is struggling, be the safe space they need. And if you're in crisis, call 988; help is available 24/7.

How are you prioritizing mental health in your life? What does support look like in your community?

Thank you for being part of a community that values mental health, supports each other through struggles, and understands that healing happens when we bring our challenges into the light.

Here's to recovery, resilience, and the courage to seek help when we need it. JR & Dustie

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You are not alone.

Tune in to our Mental Health Awareness Month episodes wherever you listen, check out our merch at sharedlightpodcast.com, and join the mental health conversation on

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