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Hi! So, these past few days of quarantine, I& #39;ve talked to 4 separate people about their mental health as they struggle. I wanted to drop some things I& #39;ve been saying about mental health considering that, uh, it really sucks for everyone right now but there ARE options! thread-
1) the biggest one is- therapists and psychiatrists ARE accepting new patients, just not in person! A lot of folks are talking over the phone or using programs like http://doxy.me"> http://doxy.me . They are an essential business, so they are still working. Don& #39;t be afraid to call them!
2) have point people to talk about your mental heath. Someone you trust who isnt your doctor/therapist that you can check in with and say & #39;Hey, im doing xyz to take care of myself& #39; or & #39;Im having a bad day& #39;- this person should NOT replace a professional, but should be a confidante
3) Online support groups!! For example, the DBSA offers online support groups and a lot of different groups (AA, OA, NAMI, etc) also offer online support. Support groups are a great way to interact with people who who share your struggle. Make you feel less alone during this time
4) Make sure you& #39;re still doing socialization! Why not ask folks to play online games with you? Or sit and hang on a stream and watch a movie together? Make time to video chat? Touch base with someone you havent seen in a while? Doing these things can usually help boost moods!
5) Get out- no, really! Obviously dont go to a restaurant or public place, but put some fabric over your mouth for a mask and take a walk, or ride your bike, or skateboard down the street- just for a half hour, get some fresh air and sunshine to change up your routine!
IF YOU DO GO OUT Please please please take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and others. Wear something over your mouth and nose, and put on some gloves if you have them. If you& #39;re immunocompromised or are susceptible to COVID right now, go where you KNOW is safe.
Maybe a backyard! Or maybe just crack open your windows to get that fresh air! Just please, please if you want to try to get some sunshine and air, PLEASE be safe about it!
6) Self care is a lot of different things, dont forget to do it! It& #39;s not always buying a cute shirt or putting on a face mask- Maybe self care for you is making your bed, doing your dishes, cleaning your room. Whatever self care looks like for you, make sure you DO SELF CARE!
7) *TW FOOD TALK* If you can, make sure you& #39;re eating right too! Food has a HUGE impact on our mental state. A lot of emphasis when I was working on programs to better myself was on diet & food education, so making depression meals may be fueling more depression! Balance is key!
8) Exercise!! I know it may be difficult because your gym is closed, or you cant go to the park to jog, but there are SO many resources on youtube and there are a lot of video games too that offer some great exercise. Break out your old DDR mat or play some Just Dance!
Want to work out with a bud? Ask your friend to video call in and do a work out together! Or give each other a call or text when you& #39;ve finished your work out for the day. It& #39;s always nice to have someone there- Hold each other accountable!
9) Dont forget to take a break from social media. It& #39;s a big, scary world out there & constant info about it can make you sad & angry. Taking breaks from social media is healthy, & even if you have a & #39;brand& #39; to uphold, your followers wont be mad if you left for a little you time!
10) If you& #39;re the & #39;therapist/support& #39; friend, you also deserve time to take a break. I know it& #39;s hard, but sometimes saying "Hey, I dont have the spoons right now, could we talk maybe later?" is okay! Most people will be understanding, and you also need to have some self care.
