Here Are Some Great Ways to Keep Your Mental Health in Check ...
By Natalie • 2 Comments
By Natalie • 2 Comments
Everyone needs some ways to keep your mental health in check.
“A lot of you cared, just not enough.”
In 2009, my life changed quite a bit when I turned to the last page of Jay Asher’s novel, “Thirteen Reasons Why.” The words of Hannah Baker have impacted the lives of others, including teenagers and young adults. The show itself has helped the lives of those who have or know someone who has attempted suicide or is thinking of doing so.
Although the month of May is mental health awareness month, this does not mean it cannot be advocated the rest of the year. Every day SHOULD be mental health awareness because like physical health, mental health is just as important and can be treated as if going to a primary doctor.
More than 80% of the world has experienced a mental health disorder, whether that be anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. In honor of "Thirteen Reasons Why" coming out in less than a week, here are a few ways you can keep your mental health in check whether you are a first or secondary survivor.
You will be OKAY. Keep going with these ways to keep your mental health in check.
Self-care is important because we all need rest. Even if this is telling your loved ones that you need to some alone time to get enough rest. Self-care is perhaps one of the most important ways to keep your mental health in check.
Step outside, take a nap, draw, or listen to some music. Everyone needs to take a step back and just collect their thoughts. We are human and, therefore, need a breather here and there.
Every day has its own battles but remember that there is someone who DOES want to listen to you. Call a friend, call a relative, or call one of the hotlines. People DO care and want to be a lending ear and to help.
Keep going, as easier as it is said than done, allow yourself the appropriate time to surrender and take a step back when it gets difficult.
If you are a student, the health department provides sessions at no cost as long as you have your student ID.
Do not take out on yourself physically. You can go for a run, take up a boxing class, squeeze onto a stress ball, or hold onto an ice cube. The pressure will be a healthier substitution than coping in self-harmful ways.
What was the last thing that made you smile? It was something that made you happy. This can be re-reading your favorite book or re-watching a movie that you have not seen in a while.
Remember that fun day you spent with a loved one or the first time you found yourself laughing until your cried tears of joy.
No matter what the case may be, you are here for a reason. You are alive for a reason. Please see that nobody has it “easy” or “better.” No matter what kind of social media posts and pictures you see, where it seems like everyone else is living their best life, we all have our shit days and moments.
All of us.
No one is perfect and life is never going to be perfect. It just comes down to how we each handle something when life seems to throw those twists and turns at us. When it does, take a moment to surrender and think how it is just temporary (those thoughts and feelings and pain). In the end, we all find peace.