Are YOU a priority?

This year the theme for World Mental Health Day is to ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. It is something we can all play a part in, and starting with ourselves is a great step in the right direction.

Those people that know me well will have heard me say more than once “be kind to yourself as well as to others”. We say it, but do we act on those words?

A year ago my answer would have been much different, that is, if I was being honest with myself. I can happily say that I’m doing much better on this front and continue to be work in progress. As a wise friend reminded me, we are all perfectly imperfect.

I’m practising living by my values and boundaries every day. One aspect of this is working on the happiness that comes from within, rather than always trying to please others and trying to be everywhere, available to everyone, all of the time. Reflecting on this, I wonder whether it is my age, or the fact I’ve experienced burnout that caused this turnaround. It may be a bit of both, I just wish I’d done it earlier. I talked about it, just didn’t action on it. Rather than beating myself up about this, I’m giving myself credit for doing it now.

One of the most important things I took away from coaching/therapy sessions was to work on giving myself a break. The self-talk that goes on in my head (often) isn’t helpful, so I’m recognising when that happens and distracting it with more positive thoughts. How do I do this? By looking at the bigger picture, the facts and reality of what is really happening around me. An example was running a half marathon at the weekend. I know I can do it, my inner self talk at points was saying “you are slower than you were before and you need to stop”. Running with a friend, thinking positively and counting breeds of dogs really helped get me round. It wasn’t fast, it wasn’t pretty, but I did it.

I’m sharing what is helping me. Maybe this will help some of you reading this. Making mental health a global priority is so important. Talking about it and getting over the stigma is one thing. There are many charities and celebrities and experts that are doing just that, which is wonderful and must continue apace. Having plentiful resources in every country to help those in need of help is another. Globally there is much more to be done. The challenge is that there are so many issues that desperately need more investment. Thinking constructively, what is one thing we can all do today? I’m advocating that we all make our own mental health and well-being a priority. Let’s lead by example and we can inspire others to do the same. If you are doing that already, great. Then reach out to those around you and ask them how they are doing, and whether they are making their mental health a priority.

At some point all of us will experience a time when our mental health isn’t where we would like it to be. It could be for a short period of time, or much longer. It could happen once, or be a recurring thing. We are all different and no two experiences will be exactly the same.

I am an organised person and expected to be prepared and able to handle anything that was thrown at me. My experience of burnout - and working through it - has taught me that I don’t have all the answers and it’s okay to ask for help.

A year on, I share some reflections that help me to make my mental health a priority.

Please feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments below. The more we share the more we will learn from each other.

1. Embrace fear and go with it. It stimulates change and change can be good. Move from a know-it-all to a learn-it-all mindset. You don’t need to have all the answers.
2. Distinguish between 'worry' and a 'problem'. One you can put actions in place to solve.
3. Let go of perfectionism. Instead, aim for progress, expect mistakes, and recognize that you have the ability to continually course correct as needed.
4. Resist the urge to compare your situation with others. We all have different lived experiences and backgrounds. You are not a failure if you need to ask for help with mental health matters.
5. You are never alone. Connect with your family and friends. They will have their own set of experiences and perspectives and will make time to listen to you. Medical professionals are there too to help. No one will judge you.

PS. I’m not a healthcare professional or trained therapist. All these views are my own. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat.

Be kind to yourself.

#mentalhealthandwellbeing #wellbeing #worldmentalhealthday2022

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