It’s ok to not be ok. We often use this phrase when talking about mental health. As I finished my online session with my therapist this morning, I realized that today is Bell Let’s Talk day. This is the day where Bell Canada donates proceeds from a variety of online activities to fund mental health organizations.
Talking about mental health, even during the best of times, is not always easy. In spite of concerted efforts over the past few years, there is still a stigma attached to discussing our mental health. This past year has been particularly difficult for many. Living through a pandemic has exacerbated mental health problems for many of us. Living through social isolation and lockdowns have reminded us, again, that we need meaningful social connections. We are social beings. Not being able to see or interact with our loved ones face to face has been heartbreaking. Yes, having access to technology is great. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to live through a pandemic before we had access to video calls, the Internet, and social media. But technology, and particularly social media, is a double-edged sword.
A heavy load to carry
There is a history of mental health mental illness in my family. Over the years I have tried different strategies to help me cope with anxiety and depression. Like many others, I too have suffered from a variety of mental health issues. I’m often told that I’m strong and resilient. That may be true. Then today I read this quote: “Just because I carry it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.” Amen to that.
This is my small contribution to this day which focuses on mental health. What follows are some strategies that have worked for me to help me cope with anxiety and depression. This is not an inclusive list. Like everything else when it comes to mental health, there are no simple answers.
Fitness/wellness:
- Being active: move that body any way you can.
- Spend time outdoors every day: daylight and vitamin D improve mood.
- Daily meditation & journaling: sitting with my breath and journaling have a very calming effect on me.
- Reach out to those I love. Hearing a loved one’s voice is a balm for my soul.
- Mantra: using it when I feel overwhelmed.
- Visualization: when mantras aren’t enough.
Relationship with technology:
- Removing some social media apps from phone: doom scrolling is a waste of time and energy.
- Set phone to “do not disturb” between 10 pm and 7 am. Trust me. You’re not missing anything.
- Better yet, charging phone in another room: blue light keeps me awake.
- Turning off phone notifications: with the exception of text messages and emails. Seeing (and hearing) all those notifications is stressful.
Some resources:
It’s ok to not be ok. Here are some resources if you live in Quebec.
