Getting through the tough times – Steps you can take
If you have seen my previous posts, you know a bit of what we have been through and ways that I have tried to help my family cope with various struggles. Although I gave birth to 5 children, I also have had the honor to be a safe adult for several other children in my life-time. Meaning they either lived with me or were always coming to me to help them through difficult times. They are mostly adults now and still have struggles, but because they learned some coping skills, the struggles are not as difficult. This blog is to serve as a help in the conversation about mental health. It is filled with what has worked for us and what we tried. Mental health issues are not really a one size fits all, some meds will work for some and not so well for others. Therapy with a professional can be beneficial for everyone but takes time. What can be beneficial is to not stop trying, to keep looking for what works for you and your family. I will always advocate for being mindful of what you are CONSUMING, that means food, entertainment, information, social media, it will all have an effect on your mental health. Keeping all of this in mind, the following is a post about steps you can take while on your mental health journey.
Are you someone who needs quiet? DO you crave some quiet alone time in your day to process, prepare or recuperate from your day? Here are some things that help with getting that little slice of quiet.
- Get up earlier than the rest of the family- I know it sounds hard but it can be beneficial for you to start your morning mentally preparing yourself for the day. You can have a quiet cup of coffee or listen to a bit of calming music, do your morning stretches, read your Bible, just some quiet “just me” time that is calm
- Stay up a bit later than everyone else. Yes, I did this quite a bit. In the evening you can also do some skincare, a soak in the tub, again music to wind down, reading a book or Bible study. I don’t recommend exercise before bedtime because the feel good hormones that are released actually serve to wake you up and you will not be going to sleep soon afterwards.
- If you are a parent that has to pick up the kids, read while waiting in the pick up line. If you have to commute, listen to a podcast or audiobook. This isn’t entirely quiet, but it is a bit of time carved out for you to do something that is just for you.
Do you feel like you just want to cry sometimes? Yeah, me too. Crying can be a beneficial emotional release, serving as a natural mechanism to process and alleviate stress or sadness. My husband will sometimes intentionally take time to watch something that he knows will make him cry, because he says it is cleansing. I agree it can be cleansing, but I am not set up to do what my husband does. I am that mom that has avoided the final episode of Supernatural because I knew the ending would be sad. I didn’t know the details BUT I just KNEW it would make me cry, all endings like that on tv shows make me cry. It’s over. No more. So yeah, I cried. I cried when I was going through Grey’s. I didn’t need to intentionally look for stuff, sometimes the news made me cry. Crying is normal and healthy. Sometimes it is overwhelming sadness and other times tears accompany great joy!
When tears do flow, they often help to release pent-up emotions and can even trigger the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. To make the most of this cathartic experience, it’s useful to follow a few steps:
- Allow yourself to cry without judgment; acknowledging and accepting your emotions can lead to a more profound emotional release.
- Find a safe and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.
- After the tears have subsided, engage in self-care activities such as deep breathing, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend, to help you process the experience and regain a sense of balance. Embracing crying as a part of your emotional toolkit can foster resilience and lead to greater overall well-being.
We get to cry, however if you find yourself crying often and easily, then perhaps medical or therapeutic interventions should be pursued.
The most important thing you can do for yourself or to help anyone who may struggle is to connect. Talk to someone or listen to someone when struggling. Connection to others has been proven to be the most vital aspect of mental health.
Here’s a list of key contacts and resources for those struggling with mental health issues. It’s important to reach out to professionals or organizations that can provide support and guidance.
Emergency Contacts:
1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
– Available 24/7 for crisis support.
2. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
– Provides 24/7 support via text.
3. Emergency Services (U.S.): Dial 911
– For immediate assistance in a crisis situation. Ensure they operator is aware it is a mental health emergency
General Support:
1. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
– Provides information, support, and resources for mental health.
2. Mental Health America (MHA): 1-800-969-6642
– Offers mental health resources and support.
3. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
– Provides information and referrals for mental health and substance use disorders.
Online Resources:
1. 7 Cups: [7cups.com](https://www.7cups.com)
– Offers free, anonymous online counseling and support.
2. BetterHelp: [betterhelp.com](https://www.betterhelp.com)
– Provides online therapy with licensed professionals.
3. Headspace: [headspace.com](https://www.headspace.com)
– Offers mindfulness and meditation resources.
International Contacts:
1. Samaritans (UK & Ireland): 116 123
– Offers support 24/7 for those in emotional distress.
2. Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
– Provides 24/7 crisis support.
3. Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
– Offers support through phone and text.
Remember, it’s essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling. These resources are a good starting point for finding the support needed. And remember the best lesson from Finding Nemo comes from Dory: “Just keep swimming” Make it a great day folks, the choice is in your hands.
Mothersense and Miscellaneous 