Mental health

Mental health

 I was having a chat with a troubled friend recently when she commented that I was always postive and happy and that I did not suffer from mental health issues like she did.

She told me that she sometimes hated my positivity because she did not feel positive. She told me she hated Facebook because it made her feel lonelier.

She said she hated looking at the garden because it only reminded her how much she had to do, or how much she would have to pay somebody to do it.

I understood her feelings, because we have all been there in one way or another. She had been divorced for several years, and hated her job, and was lonely.

When I lost my husband after 22 gruelling months of watching him battle cancer, I was bereft and in fact at one stage thought I would rather die than hang around to face the many challenges put before me.

But there are many ways of dealing with our mental health. Start by thinking about the small things that you are grateful for and about the things that you have control over.

 We can control our thoughts even though it is sometimes difficult. I knew I was grateful for so many things.

My sons are decent human beings married to other decent human beings. My grandchildren are beautiful little beings. I had a roof over my head and a job.

Walking with music was healing. Planting pots of flowers and herbs was healing. Walking my dog or sitting holding my dog was comforting.

Playing with my grandchildren and listening to their laughter was healing. Working and engaging my brain in stimulating  and creative things was helpful.

Exercise definitely helps, so begin slowly and build up as you feel more confident. Coping with depression is different for all of us.

Endorphins are your body’s natural pain relievers, and they can boost your mood, too. A gentle walk is a great way to start. Swimming is another good way to get those endorphins going.

Learning to understand mental health issues is a complex process but we can all try and help each other by not judging each other.

Lastly, practice a little self love and have good thoughts and a positive attitude, and accept any help from family and friends with grace. 

Have an achievable goal and try to move forward each day, no matter how small the step. 

©2023 gentlelifehacks.com | Author| Kathryn

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