Hey everyone,
Sorry to hear that a few of you are struggling today. I'm no professional just a 22 year old lassie who's struggled with mental health issues myself but I will try my best to listen and support all of you. Anyone feel free to message me if you need someone to to talk to as much as we can have friends & family sometimes we can feel guilty for calling them too often, being a burden or that they just won't understand. I will be here to listen to you.
When I was struggling in the homeless I had a support worker who told me of these different techniques and ways of thinking that can help when you are struggling and for a long time I did roll my eyes at it and think how is me writing down five things I'm grateful for going to cure my anxiety? And I was right it didn't but it did give me some happiness just to take a few minutes to think of the things in life I appreciate. I'm not one to preach and if you think it's all a load of shite then that's totally cool too but maybe just think of things you have done before that you can do in the house that you might still enjoy. Try to not let the news consume you and remind yourself of the positive stories an 87 year old man in the UK who had been in hospital has recovered and went home today! (was going to make a thread for the good news stories only don't know if anyone would be interested in another CV thread though?).
Try to establish a routine if you think that would help you. These timetables and checklists don't have to only be for the kids
Take a moment to make sure you are eating well, catching up with people, doing something relaxing like a nice long bath or do some drawing. Even if it's something you perhaps haven't done before like writing a song, poem, story. I love creative writing my poems are very cringey but will post if anyone is interested haha. Spring clean and get a bag ready of clothes and things to donate to a charity shop when this is all over. Learning a new skill could keep you busy I've seen that there are free online classes to learn sign language. Think of good ways you could use this time and when you look back on it will think yes it was hard but I actually learnt alot about myself. Remember that everyone is different and these are only ideas what works for one person won't work for everyone else so if it sounds like pish I'm sorry.
When you are struggling mentally not one thing is going to be a magic fix but if one action you take makes you feel that little bit brighter then it was worthwhile. Look for help when you need it & give it to others when you can. Sometimes trying our absolute best is all we have to rely on in times like this. Hope for your future once this is over do you want to go back to how things were? Do you want things to change? Go study something new, visit new places, meet new people? This can be a scary time but also a time for reflection just don't let that turn into dwelling as difficult as that can be, we cannot change our pasts however much we want to but we are here right now. Be present in this moment. It's difficult when you are worried what if I get sick but if you are healthy now tell yourself that. I am healthy right now I will be happy about that. Today you are able to make decisions and steps that can positively change your future. I've realised in that in this time of isolation - I probably was very
bleeping wrong everytime someone told me they thought I needed extra professional support and I said no I don't I'm fine. And even if that's all you've realised is that you do need help thats great we will book our counselling sessions when this is over.
Change is possible. How your feeling in this moment is just that a moment no one knows how long it will last but it will be replaced by a happier one I promise you that but for now we are with you in this hard time.
Stay as connected as you can. Remember that you are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for xxxx
take a deep breath. Is there anything you enjoy that relaxes you? How about have a nice bath ? Take a walk for some fresh air? Put on a funny film or tv show. It’s hard to switch off I know.
