World Mental Health Day

whatismyname

World Mental Health Day today.

In my personal and professional experience, for many, when they think of mental health, they are thinking primarily of mental ill health, but of course people can have good mental health too.

I was probably someone who never gave it much thought, until I became mentally unwell years back, and was forced to look at my own mental health.

These days, I still experience difficulties with my mental health, but I try to do what I can to look after my mental wellbeing.

Even the simple things can help. Obviously talking with others, or just connections with others generally. Feeling like I have meaning and purpose in my life. Trying to get a good work / life balance. Just taking time to do things that I enjoy. Good sleep, diet and exercise can help, but I'm not great at these. Actually, there's many of the things that can help that I'm not great at, but I still try to do what I can I guess.

We all have mental health, but is it something you consciously think about? Do you consciously take steps to look after your mental wellbeing? Is it something you even think about?

Any tips for others on looking after their mental wellbeing?

whatismyname

whatismyname wrote: »

Any tips for others on looking after their mental wellbeing?

Talk about it. Whether it be a stranger online, a friend, family member, loved one, or professional. Just talk.

It's OK to show emotion. Anyone that says it's a sign of weakness is completely wrong.

Exercise and proper diet.

whatismyname

One of the key things for me too is speaking up where I can with support services aren't good adequate to meet people's needs. This can be hard though of course, and can have an impact on the person's wellbeing also. In addition, I now live in the UK, but I'm sure it equally applies to Ireland.

There is a need for everyone to do what they can to look after their mental health, but it's a shame that (while there are often fantastic services and people in professional support positions), the services aren't always able to meet the needs of those who use them.

One eyed Jack

I try and look after my mental health as much as I can. Usually what helps me and keeps me positive is spending time in the company of people who make me laugh. I constantly challenge myself by setting targets and objectives, and if I don't reach them, I try not to beat myself up too much about it. I used to, and I was terrible for doing that, until I realised that the only person who expects me to be a perfectionist, is myself. I've learned to cut myself some slack.

I have a terrible diet and no actual structured form of exercise, and a lot of people I'm meeting lately recommend mindfulness exercise. I tried it, but I just couldn't get into it. If anything I'd say that not letting stuff build up helps, and trying not to let the smaller things bog you down.

Don't ever be afraid or embarrassed to ask people for help, and don't be afraid or embarrassed to offer people help. Sometimes those people are the people who are just as afraid as you are or are too embarrassed to ask anyone for help, so look out for ways in which you can help other people.

whatismyname

One eyed Jack wrote: »

a lot of people I'm meeting lately recommend mindfulness exercise. I tried it, but I just couldn't get into it.

I hear this a lot ,with mindfulness as well as other things. For mindfulness what I've learned is that it takes practice for it to work, but even more so, so important for people to remember that we're all individual and that what works for one may not work for another.

diomed

whatismyname wrote: »

Any tips for others on looking after their mental wellbeing?

Have low expectations. Then everything that happens is great.

whatismyname

diomed wrote: »

Have low expectations. Then everything that happens is great.

Not necessarily.

If you are bereaved that's not great. If you are abused that's not great. If you lose your job that's not great. Etc. Etc.

Having low expectations can potentially help, but **** happens and it can be really hard to deal with, so just having low expectations doesn't mean that everything that happens will be great.