#WorldMentalHealthDay 🧠 — How do you take care of your mental health? - Mental Health In An Unequal World

First of all let us continue normalizing that it is okay, to not be okay, especially with the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Feeling is healing, you do not need to be strong.

Coincidently World Mental Health Day is on the same day of my late sister Lorraine's birthday, who passed suddenly before her at the age of 18 years old from Cardiomyopathy. A friend asked me earlier whether the passing of a loved one gets easier and innately my response to that question is, - "we learn to live with loss."

The pandemic has also brought on it's own personal challenges, where most of us have been impacted by sudden loss of someone we know, or we have not been able to see loved one's for unexpected prolonged period.

It has also challenged most of us on a personal and professional level, whereby we've had to change the way we used to socially engage with others. Post pandemic lockdown, some of us have also unexpectedly experienced the impact of post pandemic fatigue.

All the factors above are bound to have an impact on one's well-being (mental and physical) in one shape or another. It is also essential to remember that Mental Health Care and Support is not easily accessible to everyone.

There are people out there who are limited to access Mental Health Care and Support due to cultural, environmental and economic factors. Aside from the person reaching out, it is also essential to pay close attention to those close to us, who may be going through challenging times. A listening and now judgement ear goes a long way.

It is also essential to remember that no matter how challenging life gets you are not alone. Reach out to someone who is close to you, or seek specialist independent judgement free care and support. Your well-being matters.

How do I maintain my mental health? - Lesson's Learnt

I am someone who experienced Mental Health related condition challenges and overcame them in my late 20s with specialist medical support. It was not an easy healing journey, and one that I can now admittedly be proud of taking, despite all the trials and tribulations. I realized from an early age that talking therapies over medicalized models would help me heal. I also realize now that not that not everyone is privileged to access similar health care resources (including free ones), that there still people our there now struggling alone to over their Mental Challenges.

We still have a long way to go to normalize and equalize Mental Health in terms of equal access, social and cultural acceptance.

Although, I am a person who usually has an optimistic, I have had to embrace and grow through unexpected pandemic challenges. These challenges include experiencing personal loss and not being able to travel to see immediate family due to lockdowns/travel restrictions.

My other person challenges were also having to mentally adjust to travel restrictions, change in sleep routines/eating habits, and being comfortable with social isolation. Fortunately, I am self-aware and taking proactive action in assimilating back to semi-normal lifestyle. I am also mindful that change takes time to implement.

I have also accepted that with the pandemic you have to expect the unexpected by accepting it and growing through the lessons (as we have no control over some given situations).

My Lesson Learnt (What Helps Me To Take Care Of My Mental Health):

• Work-life integration which offers a balanced personal and creative professional lifestyle - aligned with passions, life vision and purpose.

I was forced before the pandemic (due to my health) to live a partially lockdown lifestyle for over two years, which in turn encouraged to adapt to remote working (Digital Nomad Lifestyle). I started working online from home in 2016, as an Independent Contractor (Business Coach) and progressively became a Creative Entrepreneur. As a result of my past personal and professional experience, it was easier for me to assimilate to new lockdown measures and remote working changes which were implemented as a result of the pandemic.

The lessons I've learnt from this is that is essential to choose a balance personal and work lifestyle, no matter how long it takes for the benefit of your well-being. Life is to short to be stuck in work-life situations, which trigger stress and adversely impact Mental Health/Well-Being.

• Being okay with saying "No" to new opportunities/requests which do not align with self-fulfilling life vision and purpose related goals.

It is can be easy and tempting to say yes to new opportunities, due to feeling obligated, or fear of not missing out or, - only to realize soon enough that the opportunity was not ideal and it do not help with positively maintaining your well-being.

Now more than ever, it is beneficial to be mindful and self-aware of how you invest your time and energy, especially as we are living through uncertain times with the pandemic. Contribute to new opportunities which positively contribute to your core values, beliefs and well-being, can make it easier to maintain good mental and physical health.

I often say no to opportunities presented to me via social and professional contacts/networks, especially those which are not connected to my intended purpose and life vision.

You are mostly likely to easily thrive and succeed by embracing entrepreneurship opportunities you enjoy most than not.

• Being okay with taking a break - it turns out post pandemic fatigue is a real thing, where post lockdown you may have started feeling unexpectedly feeling exhausted. 

After being in lockdown it is not surprising that most of us who start feeling exhausted whether we have chosen to socially re-engage in person with the world or not. You may feel mentally and physically as though you are still in limbo, "i.e. uncertain about whether it is safe to interact and travel again."

Whatever your current situation is, know that it is okay, to re-engage at your own pace, without feeling guilty, force or obligated to engage.

• Maintaining contact with close personal and professional contacts who offer mutually supportive relationships/with an optimistic outlook especially during the pandemic period.

• Ensuring to remain self-aware and mindful of overall well-being (mental and physical). Remaining connected to nature (seaside/countryside walks) and travelling abroad when possible.

• Listening/watching positive educational information Podcasts, Audible Books, Watching (Netflix Foreign Films), engaging with like-minded Creative Entrepreneurs/Digital Nomads - for continuous self and professional development purposes.

Last but not least - Remembering to take part in fun and relaxing activities beyond work.

It is evident we become what we mentally consume and who we surround ourselves with. Therefore, it is beneficial now more than ever to be mindful of what and who you choose to listen to. This also includes the self-talk, the more negative the self-talk the likelihood is that it may start to impact on your emotional and physical well-being?

• Remember to be kind and patient with yourself through these changing times.

• Keep in mind that it takes time to adjust and adapt to new changes. Including accepting that life many never be the same again and this is our new normal.  

• Keep persevering through, but not to the detriment of your overall well-being.

• Reach out to those who you know can positively/constructively help and support in areas you require assistance with. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Truth be told, the pandemic has presented its own challenges. I am still growing through the lessons.

Keen to know your thoughts, how are you taking care of your Mental Health in your personal and professional life?

Educational Resources:

• Pandemic Fatigue - do you have it and what you can do about it. Article by Allianz Care

• Pandemic exhaustion is different from just feeling tired. Here's what to do about it, by Elizabeth Wellington, Philadelphia Inquirer  

• My Amazon collection of recommended Entrepreneurship and Mindset Books 

#creativeentrepreneur #femalestartups #womensmentalhealth