9 ways to put mental health first

As a person who has lived with depression and anxiety for much of my life, here are a few things I’ve done to succeed in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recent sudden changes in our lives and work have affected the mental health of most people I know. As a person who had been working on mental illness for many years before all this began, it was a strange time to say the least.

While living with depression and anxiety, this is how I have been trying to care for myself in the last few weeks.

1. Make sure you are eating

My mental illness has always affected my relationship with food. Depression becomes indifferent and you can’t eat anything, but anxiety makes it difficult to swallow your body.

Of course, a healthy diet Substantial effect Affects your mental health, but sometimes it is difficult to eat yourself, let alone what is “right.”

A few years ago, I learned something very important. When you are depressed, feel free to find out what to eat. Even taking out or chocolate can be much better if you can feed it yourself. You don’t need to add a layer of guilt to everything else you are feeling now.

In today’s era, we don’t have to feel guilty that we haven’t learned Greek or painted watercolors on daffodils, so it’s not enough. If you brush your teeth today, take a shower, eat something, and spend 10 minutes watching the news, that’s a result.

— Matt Haig (@ matthaig1) March 27, 2020

2. Do whatever you want

On the worst day, I can’t concentrate. Whether you are preparing food or reading your favorite book, depression can make you feel that nothing makes sense.

If all you can do is sit on the couch and watch a TV program you’ve watched 100 times already, I think it’s exactly the case.

It can improve your mood and be a foothold for finding a little escape from your thoughts, which can eventually lead to remembering what you really enjoy and asking for it instead There is.

3. Write down

Depression has always looked at me and wondered if they had any meaning. I used to be dissatisfied with how many people and websites it would be helpful to write down, but it was very helpful. It helps you unconsciously.

Anxiety can get so bad that you can’t speak. It’s like losing the ability to speak openly and literally. When that happens, it is important to give those ideas to some sort of alternative channel.

Writing them down will help you extract them from your inner self and express them without having to shout.

4. Stay away from social media

Sometimes you have to get out of the smartphone’s no-direction scroll. This is another thing related to subconsciousness for me. Even if you look at what I believe is harmless media, very long screen times can lead to great opportunities for competitive thinking, restlessness, and difficulty in relaxing.

I tried to react differently when I was told to reach my mobile phone from my muscular memory. Instead, I do my best at 180 degrees to pick up the book.

When I watched TV and felt that I needed to do something by hand, I knew knitting was an alternative to my phone. I have just started learning recently and feel very comfortable already.

If you’re taking comfort on social media, there are some accounts that I highly recommend following. Matt Hague And Jamila Jamil Two great examples.

5.self-friendly

There is a lot to tell us that we should do it on a regular day. Covid-19 is always featured in the news, and it can feel big on the day you’re trying to work from home.

My best advice is to be kind to yourself. If you can’t get out of bed today, you’re not a failure. If you don’t want to go for a walk, that’s fine. There are many different perspectives on self-care.

Many people who live with depression and anxiety, including myself, have a strong feeling of guilt, so do your best now to build peace with yourself. Do everything you can and that is enough.

6. Give priority to recovery time

I am introverted. In other words, I love spending time with friends and family, but I need to spend my time regenerating and restoring my energy levels. One of the main aspects of managing my mental illness over the past few years is hearing what I really want and not spending time purely with others.

Currently we are physically separated, but it feels like we need to keep in touch with those who set up group calls through Zoom and Houseparty. And it’s great to have that opportunity to stay connected.

But last weekend I realized that I needed to deal with this new way of socializing as before. And if you’re deep and just want to see Netflix just sleeping, that’s what I should do.

Podcast about my mental health journey with a nice person @johnmoe having️thank you❤️ https://t.co/2PWgQxCtQh

— Jameela Jamil? (@jameelajamil) March 25, 2020

7. Organize if possible

One of the main concerns sitting deep inside my heart since all this began is my medical care. I meet with a psychiatrist twice a year. I rely on them to get a prescription.

The next appointment is one month away, but we emailed Practices over the weekend to ask questions about things to keep in mind.

They came back to me and completely calmed down my heart and eliminated that little but steady uncertainty about keeping my medication hassle-free.

8.I am outside

Personally, I feel that it is difficult to go for a walk at the moment because of my low motivation level and the responsibility to stay physically as far as possible.

However, when the weather is (moderately) good, we have a lunch break (1 hour) outside the backyard. If it is sunny but still cold, tighten tightly so you can sit on one of the shades and read the book.

After that, he seemed to be really lively and enjoyed the changing scenery after leaving the house, even without exercising.

9. Be honest

If you find that you have too much work, let your employer know. If they react badly and impair your mental health, in my opinion, continuing to work for them is an absolute zero point.

Of course, this all depends on how privileged you are, as everyone can afford more work than others. But if you have a way to source a new job, I will. It’s a cliché, but nothing is more important than your health.

Treat your employer as if you were saying you had a broken or vomiting bug. Mental illness is as debilitating as physical illness, and health must be considered first.