Methods I Am Using To Help Myself With My Mental Health

Let's get this out there - I've been talking to a psychologist since the New Year and it's been incredibly beneficial and positive for my mental health. I did speak to one last year but he signed me off because I reached a good place, which I did. But things came to a head again before Christmas and I've been really struggling. Currently, I am doing a lot better thanks to speaking to this psychologist and opening up more. 

I've come to the realisation in recent weeks that my mental health is never going to be perfect. I can't cure my rollercoastering mental health, but I can prevent myself from going into the abyss in terms of my anxiety and low moods. What I've learned in recent months is what coping mechanisms suit me and what works for me.

Just for disclaimer purposes, every person who suffers from mental health will have different coping mechanisms and what may work for me will not work for others. It's taken me a while to figure out what methods work for me and I think I have found the winning formula. It's a long process figuring out these methods but it's well worth it, especially if it means prolonging good mental health.

So, what methods work best for me to help my mental health?

1) Three positive thoughts

Thinking three positive thoughts when I wake up in the morning has definitely helped me get into the right frame of mind for the start of the day. I usually like to think of some of the good things I have planned for the day ahead. Whether it be going out to meet friends, knowing I have a parcel being delivered or even something as simple as watching my favourite TV show that day. Starting the day with a positive mindset has been so beneficial and uplifting for me. It's massively helped my mental health.

2) Having a focus

Having a task or something I enjoy doing does help. To-do lists have been a huge saviour for me lately. Having those tasks to focus on and tick off along the way really allows me to have a focal point and focus my attention on other things. It stops me from overthinking and not thinking about anything that is worrying me, even the littlest of things. Obviously, if there is something big I need to worry about, I'll get it sorted. But for me, it's trying not to worry about things too much to the point it sets off my anxiety. Focusing on tasks and getting things done really helps divert my attention away from my anxiety and mental health. 

3) When I turn to Google, put my phone away

Oh my, Google has somewhat become my enemy lately. Google is wonderful, don't get me wrong. The search engine provides much-needed information for millions on a daily basis. However, in recent months, it has become more of a hindrance for me. You see, I've been suffering from health anxiety (which I'll explain another time in another post) for the last 6-7 months. That's one of the main reasons I have been speaking to a psychologist since the start of the year. Anyway, what I have been doing is researching symptoms. The worst thing anyone can do if they suffer from health anxiety. Googling symptoms makes your anxiety worse to the point where you feel like you're suffering from the worst-case scenario health-wise. What I've found as a good coping mechanism is putting my phone in another room when I feel the urge to Google a symptom. It seems to have helped so far, only time will tell whether this method will keep working. 

4) Meditation/mindfulness

Meditation is such a good practice to try when you need to unload your mind. I've been practicing guided meditation a lot in recent months and it's really helped unload my mind after a long day. As you can guess, I like to practice meditation at bedtime when I want to feel relaxed before going to sleep. They say that meditation improves sleep, I've certainly noticed a positive difference in my sleep pattern and being able to drop off more quickly. Meditation has the power to allow me to free up my mind. 

5) Writing down my thoughts

This method I was sceptical about trying this for a while, as I thought writing down my thoughts on paper would only make my anxiety worse. But it hasn't been as bad as I expected. Like meditation, writing down my thoughts has really helped free up my mind and get rid of any bad thoughts floating around my mind. I wouldn't say it's my favourite method, but it does do the trick when used at the right time. 

6) Having my own toolkit

This is something I am currently working on with my psychologist. We're working on my own personal toolkit that I can refer to whenever I start to feel anxious or worried about anything. It's important for me to make myself aware of what signs to look out for whenever I feel my anxiety making a return. I've even roped my Mam in on it as she can tell when my anxiety is coming back. I'm really hoping that this will help me in the future. Actually, I'm sure it will. 

7) Tell someone when I'm struggling

This is something I am still learning and trying to do. I'm a woman who sometimes struggles to open up about my mental health and anxiety in the fear of being a burden but also worrying people will think I'm crazy. But what I am learning is that there are people who are willing to listen, encourage me and just want to help. I feel like such a hypocrite at times. I always encourage people to talk when they're feeling low but can't bring myself to do that for myself! As I said, it's something I am learning and trying to do. It does help, honestly. 

I'd love to know if you use any of these coping methods if you suffer from your mental health and anxiety. Or maybe you may have methods yourself that you like to use, let me know!