Do you ever wonder why we don’t treat mental health the same way we treat our physical health? If we have a doctor’s appointment about a broken leg or a dentist’s appointment about a toothache, we typically don’t think twice about setting aside time in our day to take care of that. But when it comes to mental health, I find it is something that is consistently shoved under the rug, a problem that we intend to deal with when it’s more convenient, just not right now. Except, often, a convenient moment does not arise. And thus begins the never-ending cycle of neglecting our mental health.
So, why do we do this? Perhaps because it’s less tangible than a physical ache or pain. Or probably because mental health has been a taboo subject for so many years, and only in recent years has it become something that we are comfortable talking about. But oh man, do we ever have a way to go with mental health still! So, how do we get there?
1. Talk about it! I have struggled with an array of mental health conditions for years and years, but only in the last few years have I felt comfortable enough to admit when my mental health is struggling openly. One of the most significant impacts has been hearing friends, coworkers, even very distant acquaintances on Facebook talk about their mental health struggles and journeys. I know talking about mental health can be so intimidating. But even if you start small by expressing to a friend that you’re having a bad day and aren’t feeling in tip-top shape, this goes a long way. Admitting when not everything in your life is ideal starts to break away at the façade of everyone else’s lives we see on social media where everything seems to be sunshine and daisies. You don’t need to shout from the rooftops and tell everyone on the street you meet about your mental health. Still, by starting small and checking in with friends, you really can make a difference in becoming comfortable with your mental health and allowing your friends to feel comfortable sharing their battles.
2. Make mental health “time slots” for yourself. In the same way that you would block off time in your day to visit the doctor or dentist, ensure you’re making time dedicated to your mental health. Write it down on your agenda. Add an event on your Google calendar. Whatever it takes. By doing so, you’re dedicating a specific time slot to your mental health, and you can schedule the rest of your day around your mental health time. What does this mental health time look like, you may ask? It could be a minute walk around your neighbourhood, having coffee with a friend, perhaps a gym session, following along with some guided breathing or meditation, etc. Not to be cliché, but a bubble bath never hurts either!
3. Take it easy on yourself. Life is a lot sometimes. Life recently, amid COVID, is especially tough. Sometimes we will feel stressed, frustrated, confused, and that is very normal and very OK. I heard something compelling the other day about how we tend to classify our emotions as “good” or “bad" as humans. Notably, with “bad” feelings, it is easy for us to want to push them away and not feel them because they are “bad.” Ultimately this isn’t helpful as our feelings seem like pesky things that pop up at the most inconvenient times. So rather than avoiding them, allow yourself to feel your feelings. Maybe talk to a friend about those feelings. Writing everything down in a journal can also help you process and release those emotions. Your feelings are normal, and they are valid. It is more than OK to have every mixture of emotions, but the important thing is how we respond to those feelings.
4. Seek help. Sometimes we can take every step and precaution to take care of our mental health, but it’s not always enough. Sometimes we need to talk to a doctor, psychologist, or guidance counsellor. Mental health, just like any other health condition, is sometimes beyond our control, and that’s not our fault. I have personally spoken to doctors, psychologists, and guidance counsellors about my mental health struggles. Each of these types of individuals is trained to support and help you when you aren’t feeling your best, and not only that but also, they genuinely want to help you. Some people care about you. Some people value you. Sometimes life seems dark and gloomy, but I promise it gets better.
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-264
The Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub: https://jack.org/Resources/ABHub
