How are pageants helping people with mental health illnesses?

I have heard going up how pageants is negatively effecting someone's mental health. I am here to say I am living proof pageants such as Regency International Pageant has giving me an opportunity to manage my mental health. As Mrs Arctic Circle Regency International feel like it is a responsibility let other know they aren't alone in their mental health journey. As someone who is diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, haphephobia, anxiety, depression, stuttering, panic and anxiety attacks, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder I can first hand tell you it is a challenge but I do not let my diagnoses define me any longer.

What Is Mental Disorder?

A wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. One in four people in the world is suffering from a mental disorder and currently around 450 million people are diagnosed with a mental disorder.

 https://www.who.int/news/item/28-09-2001-the-world-health-report-2001-mental-disorders-affect-one-in-four-people#:~:text=One%20in%20four%20people%20in,ill%2Dhealth%20and%20disability%20worldwide.

Here is a list of reasons pageants can help someone with mental illnesses:

1. Helping With Sensory Disorders

Pageants can be full of hugs and handshakes and high fives but with people with sensititivity issues that can be a challenge. It is estimated about 5-16% of people have a sensititivity disorder. Pageants are way to help people who have challenges of anyone touching them. 

I personally have haphephobia which is an intense and irrational fear of being touched. I actually overcame a challenge recently which was allowing someone to put makeup on my face. My makeup artist and I came up with plans of taking breaks doing stretches breathing techniques during sessions. She will even tell me when and where makeup will go on my face. This accomplishment is actually helping me get ready for photoshots, charity events, balls, community events and Regency International Pageant competition 2022. 

https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/new-research-in-sensory-processing-dysfunction/#:~:text=There%20are%20millions%20of%20children,5%2D16%20percent%20of%20people.

2.Staying Focus and Organized 

In the pageant universe we have deadlines to meet in order to compete in the events. It can be really hectic when you enter in more than event in the competition and the pageants are days to a week long.

I do get distracted easily I would start on ny state costume then randomly start looking up outfits for evening and talent portion then next thing you know I am sitting outside not knowing what time it is. I learned that to do list, alarms, and calendars are my best friend. Being in pageants is helping me set goals and staying focus so I can achieve them. 

3. No More Social Isolation 

Alot of pageants encourages their contests to go in the community and either help with chairty work, attend balls,galas,  and be judges for other pageants. 

I am suffering from depression and anxiety. It has stopped me from attending some events (small or big crowds) in the past. But ever since I became Mrs. Arctic Circle Regency International I have planning events, attending organizations and sharing my platform, and talking to people. There are some days where my mind doesn't even want to get out of bed but I been telling myself this is an opportunity to not just meet new people and face my fears but also spread awareness for my platform and help people learn about Regency International Organization. 

4. Communication Skills

It isn't a secret there are categories in pageants when you do have to speak  loud and clear so having communication skills is a must. People with a mental disorder and have speech impediment will have it more difficult than the average person. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety may lead to speech deficits such as long pauses during a conversation.

In the past when I get in front of large crowd I get nauseous, nervous,  and on the verge to have panic and anxiety attacks and then when I speak I would stutter. Doing Regency International Pageant competition 2022 has giving me the opportunity to get better as controlling my speed of talking and helping me get familiar with large crowds. In order for me to improve I do videos for social media, I go out and talk to the public during events, I do even do speech timer practice. Every time I get more practice in I get more comfortable with talking. 

 

Conclusion 

Some might always say negative things about pageants but I am here to say pageants have given me an opportunity to come out of my shell and overcome challenges I never thought was possible. Always remember to face or fears and don't give up on your mental health journey. 

(This blog article was awarded the Mrs. Blog Award at Regency International Pageant 2022.)