World Mental Health Day 2023

Today is World Mental Health Day and if you are a regular reader of the blog you’ll know that I’ve had depression and still have anxiety. Before I get into the post of some things that helped me, I want to mention Mental Health Ireland, who kindly sent me out a gift – pictured above. Also a shout out to Marie, who works for them, and has been a fantastic advocate for mental health awareness. Mental Health Ireland have listings of supports countrywide, you can find out more here.

I’ve been asked what things have helped me so here are some of them, do remember that everyone is different though. It’s certainly not a one size fits all when it comes to supporting people with mental health illness, what works for one person might not help others. It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone, even though at times you might feel like you are the only person struggling with your mental health.

1. Seek help
The biggest thing was realising that I had a problem/problems and seeking help. I was afraid to tell my doctor and my family, mainly because I didn’t know what was wrong with me. It was also hard for me to put things into words. The doctor will suggest different ways to help, I tried them all – CBT, counselling, medication, etc. It was a long process, somethings helped a lot and some didn’t.

2. Talk
Talking to people though has been one the most helpful things that I’ve done. The moment I started speaking about depression and anxiety I realised that I wasn’t alone and that most people are very understanding. Some people will also suggest ways to help that you might not have thought about. Sometimes you don’t want suggestions, you just want people to listen, so if someone starts talking to you about mental health do listen to them.

3. Rest
Try to get a good nights sleep – yes I would have rolled my eyes at this one too. I was on sleeping tablets at the beginning and whilst I wouldn’t recommend them I really couldn’t have coped with many more sleepless nights. I’ve also tried herbal drops, sleepy tea and most other things I can think of. I used to fall asleep but wake up at around 3am thinking of various conversations I’ve had over the last 40 years and how many people I’ve offended.
I find that if I watch trash TV in bed I fall asleep (I know screens aren’t recommended, but it works for me. If you can’t sleep at night try to rest during the day, I know easier said than done.

4. Eat healthily
Another eye rolling one but it really does help me. I find if I eat rubbish food I will feel rubbish and although I did go through a ‘beige food phase’ I’m trying to eat healthily most of the time. I would have loved someone to feed me when I was at my worst, by that I mean hand me a nice dinner, I just couldn’t think about food. By the way, cake is healthy right? 

5. Get some fresh air
I know, I’m sure your eyes have now rolled so far back in your head you’ll never see daylight again! I’m not going to say go for a walk because honestly I would probably have decked the next person who told me that! Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for lifting your mood (well my mood anyway).

6. Prioritise
Not everything has to be done this minute. If you aren’t feeling the best put off whatever you can until another day and just do the important things. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either, people are only too happy to help. If queues are a problem (and they were for me) I used to ‘forget’ something when I got to the till so that I could go and get it and not have to queue – sounds daft but it works. I don’t know about you, but I used to feel guilty for letting people down, now I realise those people aren’t around these days, so it was just about me being useful to them.

7.  Do something you love
Is there a hobby or activity you’ve always loved? Why not give it a try? Getting back into the photography really helped me. I’m also finding that exercise is helping too – it certainly makes me feel better. Driving with my music loud is another one for me and also exploring new places. The biggest one for me is art, the sound of the brush on the canvas, the zoning out of real life and being in my own world and seeing what painting appears. I’ve been working on the Hands of Sligo Project, and I loved meeting people and hearing their stories, it’s been a great way to get out of my head and focus on something.

8. Be kind to yourself
If you want cake have a cake and enjoy it….this one definitely applies to me! Be a friend to yourself, think about what you would like and if it’s possible go for it. Maybe a seaweed bath, a dip in the sea, a long bath, what ever works for you.

9. Meet friends
It’s great to have a cuppa and a catch up. Perhaps give the caffeine a break for a while as it certainly made me feel more anxious. I started a coffee morning back in 2017 with Havin’aLaugh, because one of the things I missed most was going for a coffee and a chat. The coffee mornings continue once a month in Sligo town, and you can find out more about them – and the Havin’aLaugh charity here.

10. Write
This one was a massive help for me. I carried a notebook everywhere with me and whenever I felt anxious or down I would write. There were poems, ramblings, rants, you name it I wrote it. Looking back now it doesn’t even seem like my writing.

I’d also really recommend Social Prescribing, you might need some help figuring out things that can help you, and social prescribing can help. They will talk to you, find out what you are interested in, and suggest from groups or activities that you might be interested in. They will also check in with you, to see how you doing. The service is free, and you can read more about the Sligo one here.

Flourish is one of the support services provided by the Family Centre in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. There are three link workers as part of this service. Together, they cover the areas of Castlebar, Claremorris, Belmullet/Erris, Ballina, Achill and all surrounding areas. The Flourish service is ideal for any adult who feels they would like to explore ways to meet new people, develop new interests and hobbies. Find out more here: https://www.thefamilycentre.com/flourish

Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre have a monthly connect cafe, all are welcome to attend. They also run a number of interesting workshops taking place, so they are worth checking out.

The Donegal Wellness cafes were set up for people to meet and have a chat over a cup of tea. They have been running for a number of years now, and are based at various places in County Donegal. Find out more here.

I hope this post is of interest to you, do take care of yourselves. You might feel like this dark cloud will never lift, it will though. Every minute, every hour, every day you get through is bringing you nearer to recovery. You might hit some bumps along the way, but there is always hope and you are not alone.