Update: How Do I Continue?

[lmo25]

Recently it has felt like my mental health has gotten better, increased, I should say. About a week ago, my mental health had deteriorated and it was a mess and I felt like I was getting nowhere with myself. I took some time to find the strength to wake up in the morning, and eat breakfast and try to spread some positivity into my day. It was hard, but it's been worth it. I just don't know how to continue when the bad days come ahead. There are tough times and I know there will be challenging moments but I don't know how to continue for my mental health. How do I continue to hold on to that positivity and allow myself to not let my mental health deteriorate?

[gracy225]

I think when we have mental health issues (I've had depression my whole life) we tend to forget others without mental health issues expect a bad/down day because its happens and is a part of life. Also, and I am only speaking for myself, we expect a pill to make us feel better. For lack of a better term, a magic pill.

[A_Lone in reply to gracy225]

Hi , how do you cope if everyday is a down day ??☹️

[Hidden in reply to A_Lone]

You have to change the way you think, but that's not easy to do, sometimes we get stuck in the same cycle and can't lift those dark moods and thoughts, this can affect our motivation and so trying to change our moods can feel so out of reach. Many people use medication to give them that head start and push in the right direction, this is what I did and it helped me through some very difficult times, speaking to your gp is a good starting point xx

[A_Lone in reply to Hidden]

Thank you , I have recently been to see my gp and he prescribed Mirtzaline which I’m currently taking . I just feel that I’m pushing people away all the time even though I know I’m doing it. I do self harm when I’m really low which I do get a sense of satisfaction from although I know it’s doing me any good. I think I need to open up to the ones that mean the most to me but then again tomorrow feel they will judge me for what I tell them !! X

[Hidden in reply to A_Lone]

It can be several weeks before you notice any improvement when starting medication, be patient and above all be kind to yourself, it's extremely difficult to open up to people and even harder to know who you can open too, but give yourself time to feel the benefits from your medication, try not to think to far ahead for now xx

[A_Lone in reply to Hidden]

🙂 thanks and stay safe , will keep in touch .

[Hidden]

Try Relaxation in the evening, Mindfulness does help, Books are available.

Consider going to bed the same time every night that also may help

You need positive actions to help your mood I find time with hobbies and diversions can help me life my mood. Positive memories will help you clear negative thoughts, I normally find looking through picture books where I have been in the past can help my mood in positive ways. in the evening. It is also important you interact with those people around you although you will possibly move on if the interaction becomes to negative, I know that can difficult sometimes.

Try and approach your negative problems one at a time, you break them up into small bites, approach each bite serparate until you sort out the problem then move onto the next, if you get stuck you move onto the next bite etc until you start to gain confidence and clear your low mood and gain confidence in your self.

You do not mention medications etc, sometims it may be your condition may or may not need medication, that will up to your Doctor and associated needs

Personally I find medications can be problematic sometimes

BOB

[blackcat64013]

Hi, From my exerience there is so much to be gained by putting together a mental health plan which you can print out and refer to when our mental health isn't the best. Having a plan decreases my anxiety about what needs to be done and also gives my supporters a care plan to help me.The things that I include in my plan are 1. who my trusted helpers are and phone number to call for a check-in (include family, friend & doctors) 2. what chores I need to do 3. give myself permission to take one day at a time 4. allow me to miss a day of work (school) 5. Put my music play list on 6. Schedule a walk 7. Light a fragrant candle 8. Take medication 9. Reaffirm "I am doing the best I can ".

You just put down what works best for you. There is no right or wrong.

[lmo25 in reply to blackcat64013]

Thank you so much. Your advice will help me a lot right now and in the future, because I want to continue to help my mental health feel boosted but it's so hard when you have your bad days and everything running through your mind all at once. I'm going to try some of the things that you have suggested

[PeacePoet]

blackcat, i like your advice & will try some of those things as well. And i wish you the best, Imo25. You are definitely not alone. We can DO this! Feel free to msg me anytime. -peace