Actually, I was going to title this article “Depression” or something about mental health, but I thought few of you would read it. This is a time when the mental health is so important for us and the ones around us. These are very stressful times and we all can use some tips on coping. Why is emotional health so important? You will find you can be more productive. It also plays a role in the health of your relationships and will help you adapt to change in your life and cope with adversity.
Recognizing the symptoms of depression is the first step. Some of these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows but the more symptoms one has and the longer the person has them can lead to depression.
According to www.helpguide.org/articles.depression, there are 10 common symptoms:
1. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
2. Loss of interest in daily activities
3. Appetite or weight changes
4. Sleep changes
5. Anger or irritability
6. Loss of energy
7. Self-loathing
8. Reckless behavior
9. Concentration problems
10. Unexplained aches and pains
They also state various life changes which can trigger depression. “Recent stressful life experiences, major life changes, FINANCIAL problems.” We can acknowledge COVID-19 can definitely be the cause of a life change! The most important thing is to recognize you have a problem. Then you can reach out for support and learn coping strategies to help you feel better.
Below are some ways to counteract depression. Danielbudzinski.com offers a blog and I found these on his site.
Hit The Gym
If you are working so hard, you are most definitely neglecting your personal health. Exercise helps trigger your health to shift in a different direction. Exercise releases neurotransmitters, endorphins and endocannabinoids to your brain. This helps the fight against depression.
Create A Routine
It is important to create a plan of what you want to accomplish on a weekly basis. We always talk about creating short term goals and long-term goals. We need to adjust that time frame. Things are rapidly changing so a plan for the week ahead is about right for the current times.
Do Something Special For Someone
You are probably spending TOO much time thinking about yourself so instead focus on loving and giving to others. Remember they are experiencing the uncertainty of the future as well. It can be something very simple.
Spend Time With Positive Family And Friends
We all have Debbie Downers in our life. You need positive people around you at this time so reach out to the smiles around you.
Do Something New
Get out of that old routine. Switch things up. Take up a new hobby. Anything to change something in your life style.
Reach Out To Someone To Help Your Through This
If any of these ideas do nothing for improving your mental health, maybe it is time to talk to a professional. National Mental health Association www.nmha.org can be reached at (800) 969-6642. They have an abundance of information online. Do you know that close to 800,000 people worldwide commit suicide each year? That is 1 death every 40 seconds. That is a very sobering statistic. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone # is (800) 273-8255. You can call them and just talk. They will have recommendations for you. Their website is www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. In addition to this information, you can also reach out to your health provider. They also have a wealth of information to share with you.
I hope this has helped you. I thought giving you some information on how to remove some of the burdens you are carrying or perhaps offering a wheelbarrow to help you carry them.
Until next month…Keep smiling!
