I feel that when it comes to Mental Health, we are slowly but surely talking about it more about more. We’re becoming more conscious of not only our own mental health but that of others too. We all have bad days and we all suffer differently. Only recently, Sophie Gradon, just 32 years old, from a previous series of Love Island ended her life. It’s unfortunately another example of how someone can appear so happy on the outside yet suffering so horrifically behind closed doors.
So how can we cope with those bad days? I think it’s not a simple answer because mental illnesses are not all the same, they vary in severity and one diagnosed illness might feel different to another. The purpose of this post for me is to share with you my personal experience of dealing with bad days. Whether it’s due to financial woes, job-related or even just feeling low, I hope that these coping mechanisms will help.
Don’t Be Hard On Yourself
You are your own worst enemy. The person that can hurt you the most is yourself so when you find yourself having a hard time, don’t let yourself bully you. There’s been plenty of times where I’ve messed up and automatically, we blame ourselves. I’ve sworn at myself before, had an internal argument with how I’ve handled certain situations and does it make me feel any better? Nope it makes me feel worse.
I think this is one of the hardest things to stop yourself doing because it’s second nature to find fault in oneself. Next time you find yourself doing it, try and change that internal monologue into a positive one. Raise yourself up instead.
Cry Me A River
Crying for me is so cathartic. When it comes, it comes in floods and it feels so good when you’ve not cried in a while. Crying isn’t a sign of weakness yet there’s still a stigma attached to men showing their emotions. It’s an archaic influence in our society that just shouldn’t exist anymore. When you find yourself in a situation where you feel the tears coming, don’t keep them in. Excuse yourself from the room or company you are in and find a place that’s quiet so that you can let it out.
Has anyone ever listened to themselves cry? Weirdly, I find it comforting when I’m crying.
And Then Laugh
Laughter really is the best medicine. Finding happiness in the negatives is what helps me get over a bad day. Whether you watch a comedy, hang out with friends or excessively binge on ‘try not to laugh‘ compilations on YouTube, laugh your socks off.
Do Your Favourite Thing
What makes you the happiest? Is it walking your dog? Is it exercising or pampering yourself with a nice bath and face mask? Whatever it may be, do it because that’s something that might be able to bring you back into that good spot. When we lose our way and we are in that horrible rut where nothing really seems worth it or you feel as though you won’t be able to get out, we need that something that’s going to remind you of the positives in your life.
Of course it’s never that easy but it’s important to be aware of your body, listen to it and remember what makes you, you.
Talk About It
Bottling up your feelings or emotions is very much the same as when we stop ourselves from crying. It’s great to see that there are so many campaigns and charities and help out there – which is only growing – for mental health. Talking about it for me is very healing. I often find I can do it better by writing it down but some might prefer to talk face to face or on the phone. Online therapy is great for those who have a busy lifestyle or can’t make the time currently to see someone in person.
What advice would you give to someone if they were having a bad day? Let me know in the comments below.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. All words are my own.
