I just came across a terrible story about a young man who committed suicide due to the social isolation of stay-in-place orders for the outbreak of Covid-19. This is a tragedy and my heart goes out to his family. In the wake of this virus, I’ve seen many posts on social media from friends and acquaintances asking us to check in on our extrovert friends and our families. But who we also need to check on are those in our lives who have mental health conditions, from depression, to anxiety, to bipolar disorder and more.
Mental health already puts a heavy burden on a person’s ability to cope with every day life, let alone challenging times such as these. If you know of anyone who is suffering, reach out and reach out often. As a fellow sufferer, I have bipolar, I am grateful to the people who have reached out to me. But I’m equally grateful for those I have reached out to on my own and their responding back, it absolutely makes me feel less alone and hopeful for the future.
But if you’re suffering from mental health conditions there are some things you can do to help yourself weather the storm.
Reach Out to Folks
When you have anxiety, this seems like the most monumental task. You wonder, “does this person want to hear from me?” “How awkward will this be?” “Can I deal with rejection, if they don’t respond?” But now is a perfect time to reach out, it’s just not too abnormal for those of us who have trouble with this to send a friendly text or DM now. People everywhere want to hear from someone, for support and just to connect. Try to move past this fear, we know the fear isn’t going anywhere, but we can try to move towards an objective in spite of it. You just never know when you will make someone else’s day.
Move!
Take a brisk walk for 30 minutes (stay 6 feet away from others). Do a YouTube exercise video. Attend a live class for free on dozens of Instagram channels. Try some beginners yoga if you’ve never done it before. Jog in place for 15 minutes. Stretch. But please move your body. Even a few minutes of movement increase serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that help you feel good. Because point blank, moving tells your body “I’m good, I’m alive”. Your body wants to stay alive, and your body can communicate that to your consciousness.
Breathing Exercises
Sitting alone is the worse right now. So while under other circumstances a wellness article I’d write would likely include some meditation, sitting with your thoughts for 10 minutes or more, might feel even worse. But you can breathe. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, exhale for 4 counts. Do this 6 or 7 times. It helps give you some additional oxygen and regulates your heart beat. Two key things that can help with anxiety, but also with depression too.
Know that You are Not Alone
There are millions of us, all over the planet. You don’t have to go through this by yourself. There are others who will stand with you and send you encouraging messages to get through the day. It’s hard to believe it, directly in the middle of the tsunami, but clearer skies will come back. Stay alive for when they do. Check out the Facebook groups below for other ways to receive support and give it. Because sometimes rooting for someone else to keep on going, gives you the strength to keep on trying too.
Much love and positive vibes your way,
Santee
Here are some Facebook Groups to Receive Some Support:
Depressed and Broken (not the greatest title, but they’re here)
Light Workers (This is the GREATEST group of folks I’ve come across on the internet. They are loving, supportive, positive, and real. Please check them out.)
Better Help (A great resource when you can't get out of the house. Licensed professionals you can talk to on your phone. They also have reasonable payment plans and reduced rates if you qualify.)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
(If you feel the pain will imminently kill you, Call NOW!)
Santee Blakey is a Life Coach and Licensed Massage Therapist at Soul Growth Wellness. Follow her on Youtube for her series --> Self Acceptance: What It's Really Like (A Journey).
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