This week has been Mental Health Awareness Week. 

The good news is that more people are more aware of mental health. 

The bad news is that’s probably because their own mental health has suffered over the last few months. 

The theme this year is nature, and I have mixed feelings on this, as on many, many things. 

On the one hand I know that trees and blue skies and horizons and improbably solid-looking clouds make me feel better; on the other, like most Brits, I’m sick to the back teeth of Going For A Forking Walk. 

I think if I’d have been picking a theme I’d have probably picked connections. People. Because that’s the thing that’s been missing for so many of us, and that has actually tipped so many people over edges they never knew they had - isolation. 

It’s good to talk, we’re told, but we weren’t told what to do when we ran out of things to say. When we couldn’t face yet another zoom quiz. Another bloody walk... When we couldn’t hug our Mums and Dads. 

When we were set adrift from everything that made us feel like us. 

And yes, that’s supposedly ending now, but no, it hasn’t instantly made everything better. Because that sort of damage doesn’t just… undo. 

Because lonely isn’t just about other people, it’s about what’s happening inside of you.

So whether you’ve had poor mental health before, or you’re struggling for the first time, here are my 
personal top tips for dealing with it when it gets bad. 

1. Feel it

Feel your feelings. Even the bad ones. Not feeling them, bottling them up, denying them, will end up hurting you more. 

If you don’t acknowledge them they can come out in odd ways, at odd times - and they can look different. Lots of times sad can look like angry. And it can hurt the people around you, too.

2. Talk about it

‘I’m not great.’

It’s just three words. Sometimes you don’t feel like talking. Sometimes it’s all too much. Sometimes making connections, making plans, admitting weakness - it’s all hard. It’s also worth it. One text. One phone call. One meet up. One day at a time. Three words. 

How are you? 
‘I’m not great.’ 

3. Write about it

Clearly I write about my problems. But this is actually a good idea for everyone. It’s fancy name is ‘journaling’. Writing down what you’re feeling helps you sort it out. And maybe leave it behind a bit... And maybe remember it, if you need to go back and check yourself.  

And sometimes, it’s there if you need to go back and BELIEVE yourself. 

4. Stop it

Just… stop. For a moment. Sit. Rest. Give yourself time to think. Give yourself some grace. 

5. Admit it

The only three words harder than ‘I’m not great’, are ‘I need help’. Everyone needs help sometimes. That’s what your GP is there for. That’s what your work EAP helpline is there for. That’s what Samaritans is there for. MIND. There’s help out there. Please use it. 

6. Walk it off

DAMMIT ALL TO HELL!!!!!
Unfortunately, it does help. Moving your body in general, preferably in the great, if currently rainy, outdoors. 

Just… remember you’re not struggling alone. You’re not lonely alone. I am, too. 
xxx