The way depression is diagnosed, with a questionnaire about your feelings and behaviors and their durations, is not as perspicuous as, say, a blood test for diabetes. There’s no way of knowing that you’re in need of medication until you give it a go and see if it helps with symptoms.

Between teeing off and putting on the green, I was always in the deep stuff. And now, standing on this perfect, short grass? It felt weird. Too clean. Too open. I could see my ball clearly. I knew I shouldn’t use my usual “rough swing” because that would tear up the fairway, and I didn’t want to ruin it for the next person. But now I have no excuses. I couldn’t say, “Well, I could barely see my ball,” or “Those trees were in the way.” It was just me, the ball, and wide-open space. 

This might look like intentional connection with someone who seems out of place in the group. It might mean asking about something specific rather than the usual “How are you?” It could be offering a genuine welcome, letting them know you’re glad to see them or that you’re looking forward to being with them. It might take the form of a heartfelt compliment. Or even just a smile.

We gather in person, around a real table to create space for honest conversation, healing, connection, reflection, and sometimes even laughter and tears.  It’s not a class. It’s not a lecture. It’s something softer, deeper, and more connected. It’s a space we co-create every time we show up.

Part of me almost wants something to be wrong in these moments. At least then there’d be an explanation. At least I could take action. I could move past the dread and deal with the actual Thing, because whatever it is, I’ve already played out a thousand scenarios. But this time, I couldn’t find anything. No reason. No cause. I checked on all my people, pets, and places. Everything seemed a-okay. I ran through my mental to-do list. There were things hanging out there, sure, but nothing critical or life-altering. 

I asked my friends at At The Roots to share the books that have helped them in their recovery journeys. What I got was a diverse list of amazing suggestions. In true At The Roots fashion, there’s not just self-help here - you’ll find wisdom, meaning, and powerful storytelling.

Healing sounds like such a pretty word but in reality it can be long and painful. I’m doing all the “right” things, but some days I still find myself…affected.

We try new things in life, new habits, new strategies, new mindsets and they don’t always click. Sometimes the conditions just aren’t right. Sometimes we get it wrong. But the key is in being willing to experiment, to learn, and to trust that you can always fall back on what you know while growing into something better.

Today, it is recognized as a culturally rich art form and feminist expression. What began as women in community has come full circle as classes and performances worldwide center this same feminine energy.

As we begin Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember that real impact happens when we move beyond conversations and into tangible efforts.