Mental health was once portrayed
as some kind of affliction that beset a person of weak fibre – see negative
comments about Caroline Flack this week, let alone a once princess and the
mockery she suffered at the hands of Piers Morgan. Unlike other conditions, it is not easy to
show you are suffering from mental health problems - see also the photo being showed of Gary
Speed this week. Here are examples, of people going about their daily lives,
portraying, outwardly, all the signs that everything is well, and yet
internally having suicidal thoughts. Clinical depression needs medical
attention. But that doesn’t mean because you are not at this dreadful stage,
that your own (our own) mental health is not suffering – and like others, we
often pretend that we are “ok” – or how often do you find that there is no one
to talk to about this, because you are told to “cheer up” or “other people are
in a worse place” or “don’t worry” – it is no wonder that the smile is slapped
on to hide feelings.
Anyway, having had my huge
anxiety last summer, I found out some interesting facts about practical ways to
help mental health. This is not to say a kind word, a hug, some understanding
and maybe even some tablets are not relevant – they are. But, here’s the thing.
There are no nonsense easy things we can all shove into our lives, much like
taking vitamins to ward off and help us make it. Yes, I know, when you are in the doldrums, the
motivation to do anything is missing….I get that, which makes these steps even
more important because if you are looking for a “feeling” to help you out when
all you are feeling is gloom, it is not going to work is it. So, get a diary,
get a calendar, and write down these things to complete as a task each day.
Give yourself a tick if it is done but be a bit flexible – somewhere between
flawless and failure. Every day ok?
1. 10-minute
walk outside 3 times a day – before work, lunchtime, before bed.
2. Increase
your greens, add some blueberries, and cut down sugar
3. Have
a rage day where you punch a punch bag or run fast, or dance like a loon
4. Write
down all of your negative thoughts on paper – either keep or throw away
5. Spend
5 mins every day just sitting still, deep breathing and listening to all the
tiny noises around you, the wind in the trees, the creaking floorboards, the
gurgle of your belly.
Science backs these items as
solid go-to helpers, as successful as antidepressants, in reducing anxiety and
affording protection from stress. It is not fool proof, and there still might be off days, but they will
be less. Take Care of yourself. Seek medical help if you need to. Be kind. Be
practical. Be aware. Believe the science x
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