#GETLOUD – CMHA Mental Health Week
Mental health, like physical health, is something we all have.
Many of us know the statistic that 1 in 5 Canadians has a mental health issue every year. But that’s not the whole story. Every one of us, all 5 in 5, have mental health. Whether or not you have a mental health “issue.” The fact is that someone could be diagnosed with a mental illness and have great mental health, while someone without a mental illness may be struggling with theirs. Anybody can have poor mental health, and anybody can have great mental health. Mental health is a state of being. Your self-esteem, your level of stress, even your distress. How you feel about yourself and other people. These are all part of your mental health. And mental health is key to your overall health. We all have mental health and we should all be talking about it!
At a recent OT Works! social event that’s exactly what we did. Conversation drifted from post-work catching up to topics that were more personal and meaningful. Several of us took time to talk about how we are doing and evaluate our own mental health. Opening up on how we manage, several of our OT colleagues shared strategies they have implemented to support their well-being.
How do we keep the good days coming, and lift ourselves up on the bad days? Through our conversation, we recognized that our regular OT Works! social events help us to connect, take notice, learn from and give to each other. Our personal reflections line up with scientific findings which tell us that there are real, tangible action you can take to keep the good times coming and help on the bad days.. Here are some strategies for mental well-being, based on compelling evidence. As OTs with experience working with mental health challenges we know that these strategies help our clients, just as we know these work for us.
CONNECT
Feelings of connection are key to feeling well. So are healthy relationships, at home, work, school or in your community. Put time and energy into developing good relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Your mental health is stronger when you feel like you belong.
- Take someone for tea or coffee.
- Join something: a club, a group, an association.
- Hang out with a friend.
- Send a card or email to someone you miss.
- Enjoy the company of friends or family.
- Accept social invitations.
- Let grudges go.
BE ACTIVE
Being active and taking care of your body will help you take care of your mental health. You’ve probably heard it before: Exercise will make you feel better. It will make you feel good. Well, it’s true. It can reduce stress, boost your energy and strengthen your immune system. Exercise doesn’t have to be work, and it doesn’t have to be hard. Maybe exercise is the wrong word for you. Depending on what makes you feel good, and on your level of mobility, try these:
- Play.
- Run.
- Row.
- Lift.
- Jump.
- Throw (whether it’s a frisbee, a ball or even a javelin).
- Dance (like no one’s looking).
- Cycle.
- Walk.
- Garden.
- Stretch.
- Take the stairs.
TAKE NOTICE
Our lives are busy, so we sometimes need reminding to take notice. These days, we’re hearing more and more about mindfulness. What is it? Here’s one definition: It is the state of being attentive to and aware of what is taking place in the present. In other words, it means paying attention to what is happening right now. Sometimes we forget to be mindful. When you notice what’s going on inside you, and what’s going on around you, you can make choices that will meet your needs. And you can reduce stress. Notice the moment, whatever you’re doing. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
- Take time to really enjoy your food.
- Pay attention to your breath, in meditation practice or just sitting at your desk.
- Notice when something good happens to you, and savour it.
- Observe when something’s beautiful. Or unusual.
- Be aware of your thoughts and what you tell yourself.
- Be curious.
- Try meditation. It’s not as hard as it might sound. (You can meditate in all sorts of way, including sitting, walking, and even eating. Check it out online.)
- Keep a journal or write a blog
- Check out your local arts and culture scene
KEEP ON LEARNING
Whether you’re in a classroom, or at the university of life, learning new things can foster your
self-confidence, and give you a sense of well-being. We don’t just learn as children, or in school.
We can learn new things all life long. And through learning, we can change the way we think
about ourselves and the world. The opportunities to learn are endless, whether it’s formal
learning, or not.
- Try something you’ve never tried.
- Or go back to something that you liked before.
- Sign up for that course: learn sign language or CPR or how to decorate cakes.
- Learn to play an instrument.
- Experiment with cooking and make your favourite food.
- Try a hobby or activity you’ve always meant to.
- Give yourself a challenge you’ll enjoy.
- Check out how to do just about anything on YouTube.
GIVE
Give to others
Seeing yourself, and your well-being as linked to your community can be incredibly rewarding, and can give your brain a boost.
- Do something nice for a friend, or for a stranger.
- Thank someone.
- Smile. Check it out: it’s contagious.
- Volunteer at something that’s meaningful to you.
- Join a community group.
Give to yourself
This is sometimes called “self-care.” Set aside time for yourself and to do the things that make you feel well.
- Cook a tasty meal.
- At work: Take breaks. Go for a walk at lunch. Don’t eat at your desk. Take your sick days when you need them.
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Go out in nature. Or just get outside.
- Join a peer support group.
- Un-plug from email when you can.
- Take a break from social media.
- Laugh hard, and often.
- Do your laundry.
- Sing loud.