Have you ever noticed how many signatures people get on their casts when they break a limb? Isn’t strange how at school everyone would run over to sign their name because having a broken limb was cool? But, you tell someone you have mental health issues and they run in the other direction. That’s the stigma. Because you can’t see it, people don’t think it’s there or even real sometimes. The thing is, everyone has feelings; and the world is changing rapidly to make it easier to talk about these things without the black cloud of stigma hanging over your head.
Admitting to yourself something is going on in your head is the first step. I wanted to personally say “well done to you.” and that “it’s ok to talk!”. I’m willing to tell you a few things from my personal journey and offer advice on mental health for being the person with it, or the person supporting another. BUT, in return, you need to reach out and either seek help or offer help. A simple reminder to somebody that you love them and asking if they are ok, like are they really ok, goes a massive way.
Everywhere you look at the moment, the news, outside your window, the shops, we are consumed by this pandemic. It can get lonely at times and of course we may struggle. However, this is THE perfect time to find yourself, and to understand others in your life. Talking is the first step, and as it’s mental health awareness week this week there are so many new and old tools around you to figure it all out. If you change the channel from the news to elsewhere, every show is offering ways of distraction. Try out something new. Be courageous and start that physical journey you’ve been telling yourself you’d do. Mental health affects you physically as well as mentally, and they are both just as important. Millions of videos are uploaded onto YouTube every day. In fact, 300 hours of video are uploaded every minute. That means there is something for everyone, just get searching the key words and the world (YouTube in this case) is your oyster!
Motivation is key to starting and continuing to do anything in life. Whether that be your first bike ride, getting ready in the morning or completing a work project. Personally, stress is a major factor for me, and this can influence all of the 3 things I have just mentioned depending on how I am feeling each day. How to tackle this I hear you ask? LISTS!! Lists are my favourite go to, on bad or good days. What is on your list is up to you, and dependent on the day can be simple things such as – make the bed – eat breakfast – go for a walk. Seeing those ticks next to anything makes you feel such a sense of achievement. Similar to writing your goals down, I have a daily, weekly, monthly and even a year list! This may seem obsessive, but it works for me, and you may be able to find your own niche.
My top tips for anyone who needs them:
● Cut yourself some slack
● Practice self care
● Exercise if you can
● Set up buddy groups
● Distract yourself
● Be kind to yourself
● Try not to beat yourself up if you’re struggling
● Express yourself
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The FJ family are always here to support anyone; we offer services such as PT sessions, massage and can offer help with mindset and wellbeing coaching. Recently our beloved friends and family of Function Jigsaw put together a #StrongerTogether campaign, to let everyone know that we are all here for each other. No task or problem is too big or too small as together we are stronger! You can find the video on our social media outlets, and this premiered on instagram yesterday. Check us out @fjactivehub.
If you are in need of urgent help, please call 999 or Samaritans 24/7 helpline number on 116 123.
