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!
I'm sorry your MH has been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride recently, but I'm glad you're reaping the benefits of a psychologist. My husband suffers with health anxiety, it seems to come and go, but when it's here it's really here. Google's the absolute worst for it. I like the idea of writing down three good things too! I'll definitely be keeping this in mind. I think for me it'd be a good thing to do at the end of the day to reflect on and wind down with. Thanks for sharing this super honest post.
ReplyDeleteClaire.X
www.clairemac.co.uk
Thank you Claire, I'm sorry to hear that you're husband suffers from health anxiety too. Google is like my worst enemy at times too! I need to start doing it at the end of the day as well as the beginning of the day too! x
DeleteMeditation and mindfulness are a great tool
ReplyDeleteThey really are good tools for helping with my mental health
DeleteWriting things down is the most helpful thing for me and I also always think it's so important to share how you're feeling with someone, getting things off my chest can just be such a huge relief!
ReplyDeleteAmy x
callmeamy.co.uk
Absolutely Amy, getting things off your chest is so important and can be such a huge relief! x
DeleteI am so pleased that you are not only being open about your mental health journey but making positive changes. Writing down my anxieties and worries always helps to re-order my mind!
ReplyDeleteRosie
It's been so important for me to make positive changes and it's helped massively!
DeleteGood for you to look after your mental health Lucy! I love these tips and have learned a few ideas which I will explore for myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely, I'm glad you have learned a few ideas for you to try for yourself!
DeleteI'm sorry your mental health hasn't been the best, but well done for speaking out and seeking help! I feel that's what we should all do when we're struggling. I struggle with positive thoughts in the morning, so I may try your first tip of thinking of 3 positive things when I get up, try to keep things bright!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing xx
Thank you Em, it's definitely worth a try, it definitely helps me start the day with a positive mindset x
DeleteTotally feel with you on this! I reccomend an app called 'Journal' which reminds you to write write down 3 things you are grateful for and 3 highlights of the day x
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a good app, I'll have a look for it on the app store! x
DeleteHaving a focus is a great method! Works as a distraction and takes your mind off things even if it's for a short period of time x
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Lea, it's so good for me to have a focus and distraction when I become anxious x
Deletereally great methods! thanks for sharing love
ReplyDeleteshy - https://www.shyyshianne.com
Thank you Shy!
DeleteI’m happy to hear your making your mental health a priority. I find writing down three good things really helpful when everything gets on top of me too. I can be really powerful!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a positive method for me and I love doing it!
DeleteWriting also helps me cope, since it allows me to express myself and better understand myself. Art is also a release for me because it allows me to focus. Any form of outlet is beneficial as a coping mechanism.
ReplyDeleteWriting is definitely a good way to be more expressive and help to understand how you feel x
DeleteThank you for sharing your problems and your solutions that you are using since your mental health has not been great, I do find trying to some meditation before bed is useful, it does focus my mind, esp. if I'm running around trying to get everything done before bed. Hope that you feel better with things soon
ReplyDeleteNic | Nic's Adventures
Meditation is such a good thing to do before bed, it definitely helps to relax you before sleep x
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