It is well known that around one in four people suffer from some form of mental illness, although many more people than that may be being affected without it having been detected. Two of the most common illnesses affected the US population are anxiety and depression. Mental illness isn’t always linear, some days you will feel fine, whereas others might find the simplest of tasks difficult to complete. If you are someone who is has found themselves struggling with anxiety or depression, then here are five things to remember to help you through critical and difficult moments when your mental health is low.
You are not alone
Suffering from mental illness can often lead to someone feeling outcast and isolated, because it seems like no one else is going through the same experience as you. However, try to remember that there are lots of other people who are going through similar situations to you, and that you shouldn’t be ashamed of dealing with these difficult moments.
There is help available
It may often seem like there is nothing and no one who can help you if you are feeling low, but there are people who you can turn to. Whether it’s just a case of asking for the support and understanding of your friends and family, or whether you need to speak to a medical professional for depression treatment, it is important not to suffer in silence and to reach out, even though it’s hard.
Be kind to yourself
It is easy to give yourself a hard time about going through mental illness, especially when it gets in the way of completing everyday tasks. A lot of people who suffer from anxiety and depression find it difficult to hold down a full-time job, or to go out and participate in social events, and if this is something that applies to you, it is important not to feel badly about this. Remember that you are doing your best to get by, and be kind to yourself.
Things can get better
When you are in your lowest moments of mental illness, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, it is important to remember that you won’t always feel that way, and know that things can get better. Try writing a note to yourself when your mental health is at its best, which you can then read during low moments as a reminder that things will be okay.
Prioritize your wellbeing
When you are experiencing a low moment, do what you can to make yourself comfortable during the experience. Whether that means doing something as simple as logging out of all of your social media apps (because sometimes social media can be detrimental to your emotional and mental health), or whether it means cancelling up and coming social commitments so that you can have a day indoors, just make sure you are doing what is best for your wellbeing.
