It’s OK Not To Be OK: Caring For Your Mental Health During The Pandemic
Read handy tips on caring for your mental health during this challenging time. There is no getting around the fact that times are extremely challenging in many different ways. In this article, we want to lend you a little helping hand in your mental health. The more we all talk about it, the more supportive we can all be of each other. The more likely we all might also prioritize our own mental health when it is at risk.
Problems, Problems, Problems
The mental health of society was already underfunded. The pandemic came along, and now it is so much worse in terms of people suffering and a lack of funded services. Job loss, isolation, and anxiety about the pandemic are just some of the newer issues to arise from Covid-19 and its impact on society.
It’s OK Not To Be OK
If you are suffering from mental health problems in any shape or form, you must know that it is OK not to be OK. You are not alone, and many people feel just like you, or they empathize with how you feel.
External Help Sources
There are many sources of help if you feel like you need them. Your friends and family are a great first port of call. Someone you trust with your deepest, darkest secrets will happily listen to how you’re feeling. You may also want to consider these sources of external help:
- Your GP;
- Samaritans;
- mind.org.uk;
- Anxiety UK;
- PAPYRUS;
- SANE;
- NSPCC;
- Alcoholics Anonymous;
- FRANK.
The first step is reaching out for help, and it is out there for you.
Helping Yourself With Mental Health Challenges
There is a lot you can do when it comes to supporting your own mental health. Primarily, doing everything you can to stay as healthy as possible mentally and physically is a great thing all around. Regular exercise, a good diet, and minimal stress are ideal. Of course, that’s in an ideal world. On a practical level, there are some excellent adjustments you can make to boost your mental health.
Decluttering is a great idea, for example, especially when you are working from home. It clears your physical space and your mind and can be really therapeutic. Even just moving your unwanted items into a self storage unit until you can sort through them can be a great help in terms of how you feel.
Other great ways to help yourself with mental health challenges include:
- Trying meditation & yoga;
- Taking time out from any daily stresses;
- Journaling;
- Maintain a clean home that feels safe;
- Creating a home with the kind of decor you truly love;
- Creating a more functional home;
- Gardening;
- Taking up any hobby that takes your mind off things;
- Staying as social as you can, whether digitally or outdoors
The more of a nurturing home and lifestyle you can give yourself during such challenging times, the more likely you will be as healthy as possible in mind and body. During such challenging times, it is OK to not be OK. Do reach out if you are struggling and put your mental health first in your day-to-day life. You’re not alone, and this, too, shall pass.
