Well, now we have an actual study showing that, while they don’t come close to solving some of the major issues we have with the mental health system, awareness campaigns do some good.
None of these things is going to “fix” the stress and anxiety we are all feeling, but they can build up the resources we need to face it and go forward. Developing these skills is an important part of dealing with difficulties, and for survivors, they are also an important part of healing. The more strength you have in these areas, the better prepared you are to heal and move forward.
We often talk about the cup analogy, not being able to pour from an empty cup, but this article gives you really concrete ways to make sure your cup has something in it.
If we take anything away from this pandemic in terms of our self-care regiment, I hope that it is a recognition that many of our “suggestions” for how to practice self-care are completely unreachable to many folks without things like available childcare, stable incomes, some semblance of work-life balance, and the support of others. We can’t just toss another thing on the list of their responsibilities without making it possible for them to do.
Simply put, there is a lot of stuff available at the site, from articles, radio shows, mindfulness tools, etc. to BBC TV programs dedicated to mental health topics.
If nothing else, make a note of it and spend some time wandering around and see if any of the tools that are available would be helpful to you, and if they are, come back and let us know!
As you know, I always try and share recommendations for books, and other resources that might be of use, so here is another list of recommended books about depression from Parade. Some of them I am familiar with, and think they are pretty good, most I’m not familiar with at all, so if you are, be sure to leave a comment letting us know your opinions!
After all, when it does happen, how many people are going to remember those extra hours we put in at work? Or the time we took a chance that didn’t work out? No, they’ll remember the things they shared with us. The memories we made together.
What kind of memories are you making today?
