Mental Health Check: How are you REALLY feeling?
We're in the third month of 2021, and it's been a year since our lives have changed for the good.... bad? I'm still trying to figure it out. Covid-19 came and has put everyone in a frenzy. Unemployment skyrocketed, food insecurity, deaths, depression, masks, and abuse of liquor and drugs. What a time? Since the new year, I think everyone is trying to figure out, are we living in 2020 part two, or are we finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel? To be honest, who knows. I believe 2020 taught us to not look for the light, but to make light of our own. Times have been rough, and mental health around the world has plummeted.
Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; conducted a survey in June 2020 on 5,412 adults. The survey found that 25.5% had symptoms of anxiety, and 24.3% had symptoms of depression.
So, how are you REALLY feeling?
Here at Fusion, we care a lot about our community. We realize mental health matters and that sometimes it's ok to not be ok. I have been more aware of my mental health than ever since this past year, and I have come to realize that I have to put myself before anything because you never know what this life may bring. I understand that everyone may not be mental health savvy and don't know where to start when it comes down to taking care one's self, so I am here to help!
***Please acknowledge your thoughts, actions, words. If you notice a change in these behaviors, take a breather. People affect people, and you don't want to bring someone else down because you're down. Below I have some tips that will help your mental. Leave a comment to let me know what works for you!***
Journal
Writing about your negative feelings is highly effective. Sometimes we don't want to share our thoughts with others or don't want to invest in therapy. Well, invest in some pen & paper! Write out how you're feeling. RELEASE. Unload those heavy thoughts.
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can be looked at in different ways. Meditate, look into guided meditations, or pray. Just set aside some time to be more present in your mind and have a moment of stillness, quietness to get your thoughts together and focus on your needs.
Get Up
You have to move. Go outside. Take a walk. Get some sun, but do not sit and sulk. Sulking may feel good; for a moment, but it never does any justice. Even it's for five minutes, move around. Your body & mind will thank you.
Self Love
Practice self-care, whatever that may look like for you. Listen to music, dancing, face masks, working out. Treating yourself to some love and care will help ease your mind and give you a sense of happiness. Love yourself.
Rest
I know I said don't sulk, but you can REST. Do not burn yourself out and not give your body the rest it needs. If you don't pick a day to rest, your body will eventually do it for you. Please sit down. It can wait.
I hope these tips helped out and gave a better perspective on how mental health matters. Please take care of yourself.
-Jasmine Pollard