Everybody goes through down days. It’s a normal part of life, and most people come out the other side feeling OK again. That’s not the case for everyone, unfortunately. For some, their mental health struggles affect their everyday life.
Whether you are having a rough couple of weeks or are diagnosed with a mental illness, it’s OK to admit that you are having a bad time. It’s important to know that there are ways to stop it from completely overtaking your life, even if that simply means finding some time to relax amid the negativity. Here is some advice that may help you.
Seek Professional Help
If you can’t get out of the rut on your own, then you should seek the help of a professional, whether that’s your doctor, a therapist, or a counselor. There are all sorts of treatments out there for those who are struggling and those with a mental illness. If you have a bipolar disorder diagnosis, the Life Adjustment Team has assertive community treatment for bipolar. Their case management team will help you live a fulfilling life.
Reach Out to Friends and Family
It’s hard to go through negative thoughts alone, which is why you should reach out to your loved ones when struggling. Isolating yourself will only make matters worse in the long run. Even if it’s just a quick text message or a note left for a family member, the initial conversation starter will make way for deeper and more meaningful conversations about how you feel. Maybe a consultation with a certified therapist or getting in touch with them on similar websites (hoofdbass.com being one of them) provided such services could be an ice-breaker for you and get you started on talking on your problems.
Keep Track of Your Thoughts and Feelings
Do you rarely know how you’ve been feeling? Do weeks pass and turn into a blur? To help keep track of how you feel on certain days, you should document your thoughts and feelings. There are apps to help you do this, or you could use an old notebook you have lying around. By doing this, you’ll be able to identify triggers. For example, a poor night of sleep may lead to a worse mental health day.
Find an Easy Hobby
A day doesn’t have to be filled with tasks for it to be productive or enjoyable. On the tougher days, it helps to have an easy hobby that doesn’t require much energy. Hobbies such as sketching, reading, or sewing are great for this. If you struggle to get out of bed, you could keep a hobby by your bedside so that you have something to focus on.
Create a Safe Space
If you struggle with your mental health, the outside world won’t always feel welcoming, which is why you should give yourself a safe space. Make it as comfortable and relaxing as possible, including items like cushions, fairy lights, and candles. Just being in an area like this will help you to de-stress.
Forgive the Hard Days
When you struggle with mental health, every day can’t be smooth-sailing. Instead of getting upset about a bad day after a series of good ones, ride it out and try again tomorrow. Your journey to a balanced life won’t always be straightforward, and that’s OK.
