World Mental Health Day. 6 Things I Want You to Know

It's World Mental Health Day. So let's talk about it.

But since I'm not in the best mental space myself to and I've never been much for long posts, here are 6 things I want you to remember or know (if you don't already.)

1. Your mental health journey is completely your own.

Sounds painfully obvious but I think that we forget while we're sharing every bowel movement on social media, that no one is entitled to know where your head is at. It's perfectly okay to admit that you are struggling, just please don't feel you owe an explanation to strangers on the internet. You don't.

2. Feeling alone is normal.

Again I bring up social media because it is such a wonderful invention. Connecting with people all across the world it can feel like you're surrounded by friends. And not to belittle that feeling because I honestly think it's a genuine feeling to have, this doesn't always mean that you feel seen and heard. Actually, this is true of the literal people around you too, I live in a house filled with people and yet there a times (now especially,) when I feel so unbelievably alone, it's hard to cope. When you start to feel this way, please remember to reach out to someone, even if in your current mindset you believe they won't care, chances are, they've been waiting to feel seen and heard too.

3. Fight the darkness.

When you're in that dark place your mind takes you to from time to time, the easiest possible thing to do would be to submit to it. Stay in bed because who will honestly miss you? Drop that hobby because it was never really going anywhere in the first place. I get that feeling and I am guilty of giving in to it on occasion too. But here's the thing, when you get out of bed and do something as simple as have a shower, you are showing yourself that you can't be beaten and you don't wish to occupy that dark place for very long. Easier said than done of course but that is why you have to do before you can dismiss it. Never stop fighting.

4. Take care of you.

I don't know that people take the time just be with themselves enough without feeling self conscious or guilty. Sometimes you just need to not be around people. I know that this is true for me, people drain me, I feel anxious and switched on. There is no shame in switching off for a while and it doesn't have to be anything extravagant. It could simply be watching a show you enjoy, reading a book or taking a walk. I personally every now and then like to go to the cinema in the middle of the day, sit in the dark sparsely attended theater and just switch off. It's a good way to look after your mental health, whether you are suffering at the moment or not, everyone needs a sanctuary.

5. Look for joy.

Seeking out things that bring us joy seems impossible when we feel like joy is avoiding us. No body like rejection. It might sound odd to associate laughter with depression but I think there is an important point to be made. People often assume that because someone is laughing, they are happy overall, true in that moment they are experiencing joy but who is to say that once that moment of sunshine is over, that the clouds won't descend upon them once more? But here is my main point, be that person who experiences even fleeting moments of joy, watch an an entire YouTube playlist dedicated to cute and inspiring animal videos, watch a shit tonne of TED talks, try ASMR (if that's what you're into, I won't judge,) just find something to make you believe if only for a moment, that the entire world isn't a flaming ball of shit. You might be surprised how nice it is to find yourself laughing.

6. Let. It. Out.

Lastly but most importantly. Do NOT bottle up your feelings. When has this ever helped anyone in the long term? Answer never. How you feel is how you feel, there is no use denying, suppressing or ignoring it. It won't go away and even if it does, don't expect it not to come back all the stronger and in a way you have no control over. If you're not a big crier (like me,) find a form of expression that works for you (and doesn't get you arrested.) Throw some chipped plates at a wall in your back yard, write it out (Hello!) sing, rant to yourself (another favourite of mine) rant to a friend or a family member (one who is willing to just listen) but whatever you do, for fuck sake don't push it down and pray it'll move onto the next one. You feel this way for a reason, addressing it is the only way to ensure that the next time it knocks at your door, you're armed with tools to tell it to fuck off.


So there it is, my 6 (odd number I know,) World Mental Health Day tips I want you to know. You are not in this totally alone, there is always someone who will understand and want to help you, you just have to find one of them (honestly there are loads!)

Linked below are a few websites to help you on your road to a healthier mind.

Be kind to each other and to yourself.

Love,

The Girl in Blue
xoxo

World Mental Health Day website: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

Mind, for better mental health: https://www.mind.org.uk/