Mind your Mental Health

Mental illness is a lived reality that has been increasingly brought to the forefront. COVID-19 helped to make this clear to us all. As the world grappled with the impact of the pandemic and the restrictions posed by lockdowns, the prevalence of mental ill-health sky rocketed.

The World Mental Health Day theme this year is "Mental health, a universal human right" WHO, 2023.

Are you minding your mental health? It is your human right.

A few months ago, it dawned on me that I had to take matters into my hands and mind my mental health. I was going through a new life cycle phase, empty nesting, and it was taking a toll on my mental health. I was not sleeping well. I was not interested in socializing. I had a lack of interest in things I used to like and was taking to snacking. The self-awareness check made me realize there was a problem.

The stigma around mental ill-health makes us reluctant to share these challenges. I am blessed to have a friend I can open up to. Jayne is a friend from Medical school with whom I can share anything! I therefore found it easy to express my challenge and get her advice.

Eureka! Exercise!

That has been the magic prescription. My daily routine now includes a 6 km walk around my neighborhood. It has worked wonders! I have bounced back.

Listening to several corporate professionals, the rat race can be another source of mental ill health. What do you do when your workplace is toxic. How do you deal with a toxic boss?

Others are in a toxic relationship. How do you deal with a toxic spouse on a daily?

Bottom line, my mental health is my responsibility.

Mind your Mental Health! Do not give away this responsibility to someone else. You are responsible for your mental health. In case you need help to reclaim this power, reach out to your Jayne (a trusted friend) and seek help. Opening up is one way to release tension. I have also found journaling to be helpful. In tandem, let us also mind the mental health of those around us. Let us spread the cheer and make the world an easier place for someone. Socialize in circles that add value to you and build you. This too is an antidote to mental ill health. These are all simple, doable, affordable mental health first aid equivalents.

For more serious levels of mental ill health, and if symptoms persist, please seek medical advice.

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