Skip to main content

Mental Health





The pandemic has changed our lives and brought many challenges. The way we learn, work and live everyday is so different now because of the restrictions and rules set in place and, understandably, the need for emotional and mental health support has increased. 

World Mental Health Day is on the 10th October every year and the purpose is to raise awareness about mental health around the world. I am two days late but in this post, I want to share some thoughts on mental health and how to take care of yourself and each other. 

Finding ways to be productive in lock down can be difficult. It definitely must have been challenging when it all started back in March. You have probably been told that now is the time to learn and start something new like do a course online and re-train yourself, learn a new language or start a business and that is true but if you haven't done anything like that, don't feel bad. We are all working and doing school online, keeping up with chores around the house, taking care of children and elderly relatives, running errands and busy with a lot of things. Separating work and home life can be difficult because our offices and classrooms are at home and there are interruptions and we need to slow down, breathe and rest. It is okay to take time off, just make sure you have permission from your bosses and teachers. If work and other things are stressing you out, ask for the day off and take time for yourself.

It is completely okay to say no. Now that restrictions have eased in a lot of places, people are enjoying being out of the house. If someone invites you out to a club, a party, lunch and you don't feel up to it, just say no. It's not just going out though. A family member might ask you to come cook or do something with them and you may want to do something different and that is fine. The family member, friend or whoever will understand. You don't have to say yes and please everyone. 

Celebrate small achievements. Everyone celebrates big, physical achievements such as a promotion at work, an award, sporting achievement, getting  great opportunities, which are all amazing but we should celebrate or at least give some credit for people's small achievements and accomplishments and the mental health achievements! If you received good feedback on a task at school or work, if you received nice comments, if you survived a stressful week of work, if you fought depression and anxiety, if you pushed through an illness and got things done, if you felt like sleeping all day but got out of bed and started your day, give yourself a reward and celebrate! 🙌

Communication is very important. Even though we can't see our loved ones in person, we can still talk to family and friends by phone calls, texts, Face time and zoom. Anxiety and stress are normal but it's not healthy to hold your feelings in. Nobody likes to see someone they love scream, throw tantrums or cry but things happen to cause those outbursts or reactions and it's natural. No matter how you are feeling, talk to someone you trust and love. Talk to someone about whatever is troubling or upsetting you so they can listen and give you advice and help you out. Also, make time to check in on your family and friends. You never really know what they're going through in their life and they might need help, even if they don't reach out to ask. Besides problems, we still need to be social and chat so pick up the phone or organise video calls. 📱💻👪

If you don't like to talk it out, write it out! I have written about journals a lot on this blog and it is really helpful. 

Acknowledge the fact that there will be both good and bad days, it's okay to not be okay and your feelings are valid. Remember that you are not alone.Tell your family and friends you love them and know that you are loved. 💓



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Virtual Stop #1: Lymington - A Seaside Gem Discovered by Chance

Welcome to my virtual travel series, where I explore beautiful corners of the world without leaving my bed. Inspired by TikTok livestreamers and walking tour videos, these posts capture what I see, feel and learn as I journey through new places from afar.  I wasn't planning to visit Lymington - not virtually, not in any way. I had never heard of it before watching my favorite singing buskers livestream from the quaint little town in the UK and now I'm captivated. The charm of Lymington unfolded before my eyes: Cobbled pathways, rows of boats bobbing gently at the marina and friendly locals to stop and enjoy the music. I experienced it from my bed.  There is something so welcoming about the town, The people passing by weren't just polite - they were supportive. Some clapped, others left kind words or a few coins, and a few even stayed for songs. There are three ladies who go often to support the guys. They have all been following them on TikTok for a while and met each other...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Prove It Game

The public opinions on Meghan Markle, or Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are divided. Some love her and most seem to hate her. I admire her in some ways. I just watched an interview she did with podcast host Jamie Kern Lima and something she said resonated with me.  Image from Jamie Kern Lima YouTube.  Here it is: "We spend so much of our lives trying to prove something. You have to prove that you're enough, you have to prove that you're pretty enough, you have to prove that you're smart enough, you have to prove that you're a good wife or a good friend, and I am just so done with the prove it game. When you get to the place where you feel like I don't have to prove anything to you anymore. I don't have to prove that I'm a good person, I don't have to prove that I'm a good wife or mum or friend, I don't have to prove that I work hard. It can be really freeing when you stop playing the prove it game." - Meghan Markle. I completely agree with...
Post a Comment
Read more

Social Media Ban

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that the Australian Government will enact laws to ban children under 16 years of age from social media and here I am sharing my thoughts on this.  Image from The Chapel Hairdressers - Horsham Facebook page  There are many benefits of social media. We can share photos and videos with our families and friends to keep them updated on our lives, instantly communicate with them, have a record of special memories, businesses can promote their products and services, connect with people professionally and do so much more. So many people are working on social media full time as influencers, working with brands and creating content online  and some have even married people they met online.  Social media can also be used as a weapon.   Preteens and teenagers go through puberty, stress about getting good grades at school, do their best to live up to their parents expectations, have many things they are worried about and just wan...
Post a Comment
Read more