Mental Health Tips

Some things that people don’t quite understand about mental health, is that it isn’t just black and white. There isn’t just two sides.

Either you’ve got depression, or you’re perfectly normal.

However, that is not the way it is.

There are many different stages of depression and/or anxiety. Sometimes those can feed into each other.

I can’t tell you how many times I myself have gotten anxious over something as simple as an outing with the family, and then become depressed over it as well. The anxiety makes me doubt myself, which in turn makes me depressed and feel up to no good.

But how can we try and keep it from getting too bad?

Well, there’s different techniques for everyone. Not everyone is the same, and honestly it depends on what stage.

Stages vary from person to person.

One person might feel like a 2 (for example) is a 5 for someone else. Or that 5 might feel like 10. The scale varies.

So, I’ve gathered a few ideas that might help.

1) Breathe

Simply breathe for a second. Feel the air enter your lungs and remember that you’re lucky to have them. Count your fingers. Be lucky for those too, some people don’t have them.

2) Take a step back.

Take a step back from whatever it is you’re doing. Now make a list of pros and cons to what you’re doing or fixing to do. Then ask yourself “do I want this?” If the answer is yes, then do it! It’s your life after all. No one’s going to judge you for having a good time in life and doing what makes you feel good and happy.

If the answer is no, and it’s nothing important, then what are you doing? Living is not living when you’re shoving yourself into all these countless boxes that people expect you to fit into.

3) Sometimes we need a boost.

When your depressed, it’s hard to get motivation to do much of anything. I know when I’m experiencing depression, I don’t feel like I can do much.

Sometimes, we all need a boost. No one’s perfect! And I mean that! Something that can help you get a boost, as hard as it may seem, is to just relax for a little, remind yourself that you’re only human and humans are made to make mistakes. If you’re beating yourself up over (for example) that thing you said to your friend the other day, they’ve probably already forgiven you. Let it all go.

4) Treat yourself.

(Yeah yeah, you probably hear this one a lot...) When I say treat yourself, I mean put on some Netflix, pop open a can of soda (or your preferred beverage) grab some snacks, and snuggle up under those comfortable covers.

Sometimes we need a break! Life is hard, and we can’t always be strong and able to withstand everything thrown our way. It’s good to have at least one day a week where you can stay home, relax, and decompress from all of the pressure placed on your shoulders at school or at work.

Or, if parties help you relax, go for it! Just be yourself and put the box of society aside. Focus on your wants and needs for the day and make sure you’re happy with where your life is going.

If you aren’t make the changes you think you need. You more than deserve it.

5) Try simple tasks.

I know depression can really hit you like a train sometimes. I thing I learned, was that making itty bitty tasks for myself REALLY help me feel more comfortable with myself because I have done something and feel a little more worthy.

6) STOP FOCUSING ON THE WORST

Yes, you heard me! A positive perspective really changes things. In a good way! Being negative about everything will really harm your mental health in the long run.

Compliment yourself, tell yourself some positive things every once in a while!

I think a lot of people tend to mix being humble with insulting themselves to make sure others feel better about themselves. I do it all the time.

I’ve been raised: “Be respectful, be humble, and don’t brag.”

Well, I decided that “don’t brag” meant insult yourself and don’t let others know accomplishments you’ve made in life. Don’t let others see how you truly are.

I decided that in order to be humble, I needed to say things like “I’m ugly” or “Really? I’m a mess. I hate the way I look.”

These things weren’t necessary at all. It’s okay to be comfortable with yourself and accept someone’s compliment. It’s okay to say “thank you” and rock the way your body is.

I really hope these ideas help you! If you think this could possibly help a friend, please feel free to share this with them!

I’m writing these because it’s what I want to do. I want to help others who are in that dark place and need someone to just walk through that dark with them.

There’s light. Don’t give up. I believe in you. I have faith in you.

You are valid.