9 Actionable Tips To Help You Navigate Mental Health #BellLetsTalk
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information shared in this post is based on my own personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional for any concerns regarding your mental health. This post is intended to be informational and should not replace medical professional advice.?
In high school I tried to take my life. The heaviness and darkness of my thoughts tried to win out. I just wanted to silence the dark thoughts once and for all. I wanted all the darkness and deep pain that no one else could see to be gone.?
Every day I fight for and put in the work to manage my mental health. Living a life filled with joy is hard work and takes consistency. I show up because my story is far from done. Breath in my lungs and a beating heart. That’s the sign to keep going, to press in and hold on. One minute, one hour, one day at a time.?
I am grateful that mental health is no longer a conversation that is swept under the rug, or awkwardly passed over like it was when I was in high school. Change is happening. It’s slow, but it is happening. As difficult as it can be for so many to discuss mental health it is critical to keep the conversation going. To continue to provide safe spaces for those navigating their own journey and for those not sure how to verbalize what they are experiencing.?
The below tips are what have worked for me. I share only to help you navigate your own mental health journey. Take what serves you, leave what doesn’t.?
#1 Back To The Basics:
Sometimes we fall off course, get side tracked or even totally derailed. Identifying small things that bring you joy and help you show up as our best self is important to get out of a downward spiral. It could be as simple as going outside, drinking a hot coffee out of your favourite mug, or putting fresh sheets on your bed. The simplest is having a shower and getting ready. Tiny tasks will help and compound together for more joy.?
#2 Journalling?
Our brain offers us 60,000 thoughts per day. Crazy, eh? Many of those thoughts don't serve us, many of those thoughts spiral us down, not up towards joy. Journalling can be a safe space to process those thoughts. It can also be a place where you write out the evidence of what's working and good in your life. Gratitude changes the posture of our hearts. Grab a pen and get some paper. Don't overthink it, bullet points, messy scribbles, doodles, or perfect sentences - it doesn't matter, just get it out.?
#3 Choosing Movement?
Movement is not only good for our body, but for our brain. Exercising can help release feel - good endorphins that can enhance your sense of well being. Do what you can to get moving. Start with just putting on your running shoes and committing to 5 minutes. The hardest part is starting. Make the goal small and make it so you can't fail.?
#4 Talking To a Friend?
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Calling a friend to level set, process and simply listen can help us to not feel alone. It often helps us feel seen and heard. They don't have to have the answers, sometimes it's just about knowing you have someone in your corner standing with you in the mess. This can help make it feel possible that brighter days are ahead. "It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it." Lou Holtz.?
#5 Be Honest
When people ask you how you are, be honest with how you really feel. It's easy to respond with "good," or "really busy." When in fact you are lonely, sad, or struggling to find your groove. When you are sharing, let go of the expectations of others' responses and find comfort in the fact that you don't have to hide your truth.
#6 Inching Forward?
We often feel it has to be MASSIVE LEAPS for it to help. This can make change feel impossible. By simply inching forward and choosing small tasks or small items to take action on, we can gain momentum to get unstuck.?
#7 Shifting Your Perspective?
What you are walking through is hard. Don't discredit it. However, sometimes we can throw ourselves a good old pity party. We sit in our circumstances and we stay stuck. There is always an "at least..." - practice shifting your perspective and your focus. A simple ‘what can I be grateful for’ will help start that shift.?
#8 Serving Others?
How can you bless someone else today? Showing up for others can help increase your sense of belonging, give you a sense of purpose, create stronger friendships, give you a sense of renewal and can reduce isolation. Volunteer for an organization you believe in, drop off fresh baked muffins for a new mom. Think of ways you can have positive impact on someone else's life.?
#9 Seeking Professional Help
Breath in your lungs, and a beating heart. YOU ARE NOT DONE. Sometimes seeking professional help can make all the difference in navigating the ups and downs of life. Remember, it's okay to not be okay and there is strength in reaching out for support.
As always consult a medical professional or reach out to the suicide hotline at 1-833-456-4566 or SMS at 45645.
You matter and the world needs you.??