We all hear about mental health day in, day out, not just this week. But what is the big deal about it? A lot actually. One in six adults experiences symptoms of a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, and one in five adults has considered
taking their own life at some point. [1]
As loneliness is this year’s theme, I would like to highlight some points for you to think about and hopefully it will get you thinking to prioritise your mental health on a daily basis.
- Social connections
With the internet and the previous lockdowns, they had major affects on people’s interactions with their fellow human beings in real life. It was pretty normal to say hello to a person passing by 50 years ago, or open a conversation with the person sitting next to you on the bus. Now, it’s pretty awkward to do that and you get the stares and the frowns.
I believe that if we start to approach people again in a nice and friendly manner, it will hopefully become a norm again and this fear of talking to other people will decrease in one’s self.
2. Talking to a trusted person
Always have a person you trust you can talk to, whether it is a partner, friend or family member. It’s ok to have some “alone” time, but it shouldn’t be the majority all the time. Talking about your thoughts to another can help validate your feelings or help you see the bigger picture.
3. Activities
Doing any type of activity with a person you trust or a group of friends will help overcome anxiety and stress, such as cooking, walking, painting, sight seeing, etc. Although these can be done alone, but doing them with somebody else gives the activity more meaning and more enjoyable moments, which will increase the happy hormones and make you feel better.
We human beings are social beings and we are meant to be living, working and mingling with other people. there is a saying that goes: “Paradise without people is not worth going to”. Without people, paradise is no fun. So try to make that step to beat loneliness.
And at the same time, if you know anybody who might be suffering from loneliness, opening a little conversation with them, even about the weather, can help them cheer up and beat some symptoms of any mental health issues they may have.
Exercise is great to boost mental health. Wanna start your first move? Contact me and let’s have a chat 🙂
[1] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/fundamental-facts-about-mental-health-2016