Helping Ourselves On #WorldMentalHealthDay

Solving Problems Is Easier When We Act Together. (Picture credit Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels )

Today, of all days, it is worth saying that life without good mental health is hard.

From my experience, in the developed world, it can still feel dark, stressful, and overwhelming to struggle on alone.

In developed and developing nations stigma about mental health conditions can affect outcomes. In some countries and cultures mental health taboos can leave those issues to silently fester in the dark. People affected can hide their illness. It can feel their secret shame to bear alone.

Left untreated their illness can become more significant than it needed to be. That is bad news for their loved ones, their colleagues and everyone else affected.

So, to change those outcomes, wherever we live, tackling mental health issues needs to involve:

  • Recognising something is making our life more complicated than it needs be
  • Reaching out to professionals who are able to help
  • Staying in touch with good listeners amongst our family network and friendship circle
  • Being kind to ourselves

What has worked for you, or people you know?

Always worth remembering, wherever in the World we find ourselves, and whatever else is important in our lives, struggling alone is not a solution.

We are stronger together.

Creativity Connection Nourishment

World Mental Health Day means we #DoOneThing on 10 October – Look After Ourselves

2020 has been a tough year. 

Twelve months ago, who knew we would have to deal with Furloughs, Social distancing, Funeral planning ? 

The Covid-19 era will end. But during this roller-coaster ride we owe it to ourselves to do one thing; look after ourselves. 

Luckily, looking after ourselves is the theme for World Mental Health Day. So on Saturday 10 October it makes sense to make time to look after number one. Doing this makes us better prepared to support other people.

How have you managed to keep it together in 2020? As I take stock this October my life isn’t perfect, but I have stayed mostly upbeat since March by:

  • Eating well.
  • Connecting to others.
  • Being creative. 

Obviously, there is more to looking after ourselves than that, but this is a start.

What are the actions you take to manage your wellbeing? Feel free to leave a comment and continue the conversation.

(Image credit Lean Leta at Pexels.com)

World Mental Health Day Means You Can #Asktwice

Happiness And Mental Health Go Together – Picture Credit Rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

October 10 is World Mental Health Day.

The goal for #WMHD is raising awareness that 1 in 4 of us will personally experience mental health challenges during our life.

Yes, that is even true for us guys. Although getting us talking about our feelings can be hard work (that’s why it is worth asking us twice ‘how are you’ just to check what is really going on).

Having poor mental health sucks, believe me: It might be back in the early 2000s but I remember that feeling alone; being unable to get out of bed; seeing the world in black and white made no sense at all.

It is also time to remember we can overcome the rubbish feelings caused by stress, anxiety and depression with the help of family, friends and maybe professionals.

How do we start to change our situation?

By talking about our feelings with our family, colleagues and mates today, not just on 10 October.

And keeping the conversation going on the next day.

And the next.

What Are Your Next Steps?

This isn’t an easy conversation to have. If this post rings bells here are some questions you can you ask yourself to get started. 

  • Who can we talk to about what is really going on inside?
  • What isn’t working in our life?
  • What is the smallest step that might help us feel just a bit better?
  • Do we need professional help?

Thanks for reading this post. Remember to Like, Comment and Share so others can learn how to help themselves too.