With presumably two weeks left of the third Level 5 lockdown in Ireland, many may feel like their psychological well-being is hanging on by a thread. It has been the topic on everyone’s lips, yet for many, their mental health feels like it is only getting worse and they are forced to be more conscious of it now than ever before. Unfortunately, spending all this time alone can dispose towards the cultivation of negative thoughts, depression, anxiety, insecurity, etc.
Struggling with mental health is commonly described as being trapped in a deep hollow that is difficult to climb out of even when one is aware that their negative thoughts and feelings will pass. Simultaneously, confiding in someone can feel daunting especially when the repercussions being considered include stigma, misunderstanding, exploitation of vulnerability, and violation of privacy. Therefore it is understandable that it can be difficult to reach out for those experiencing mental hardship and equally for others who want to help but do not know how to. If you find yourself experiencing these feelings, you should know that family, friends, or a service like UL Éist ([email protected] ) are here to offer their support. In times of stress, our minds tend to stray towards negative thoughts and imagining the worst possible scenario. Taking the time to challenge those thoughts and generate more positive ones, can break this cycle and uncloud our thinking to allow for a more balanced view of a situation. One of the most difficult pills to swallow for me personally, is knowing that I have once misjudged someone who was struggling emotionally given that I, like many others, have had my own share of mental struggles. If you have thought about this extensively like I have, you may have come to the conclusion that putting in a genuine effort to be empathetic and understanding to others in your general interactions goes a long way. In the same vein, a small act of kindness can truly make a big impact in someone’s life, and many of us have undoubtedly experienced this in our personal lives. Similarly, trying to be open-minded and and accepting can give equanimity and allow you to take better heed of the other perspective in many situations. It can sometimes be too much to expect from someone to reach out for help, so if you have already offered your support it might be worthwhile to establish a judgment-free and encouraging environment as well. Days during quarantine appear to be fleeting by, but it is easy to feel stuck in time when living the same day over and over again. Try to be kind to yourself and others and allow yourself to enjoy the things you do without setting any standards to meet. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate you! Reach out to the following services if you need support:
39 Comments
|
CaesuraRotating views on various subjects concerning health (in)equity Health Equity NutSome streams of consciousness on the subjects of the tragic and the mundane. Archives
February 2021
Categories |