I grew up in a generation where as long as there is food on the table, roof over your shoulders and a respectable job, there shouldn't be anything to complain about. It was frowned upon to express any negative emotions. Being depressed is a definite no-no.
As I grew older, I realised that it is okay to feel the things we feel. It is okay to be happy or sad, and even depressed. We are human beings and we have emotions that comes and goes when situation arises. Recognising how we feel is vital in order for us to get through the day.
That is why I feel strongly about taking care of our mental health. Yes, it is important that we should keep a positive mental health. But it is also important to accept that we do have days when we feel extremely low and want to hide from the world.
I have days where I don't want to talk or interact with anyone. I can't deal with whatever I have on my plate. I feel like disappearing and not be in the present moment. Most of the time, I don't even know why I am in such a state. Nothing bad happened but here I am, feeling what I feel. So what do I do to get out of that state?
If I am really sad or depressed, I let myself cry out for a day or two. I take more time if I need to. Then I will try to get back into routine as much as I can. I give myself a treat each time I managed to accomplish anything. Treats can be sweets, buying something or a 15 mins nap. And I learn not to be too hard on myself. I am only human trying to be better and do better as I go along.
Take care of your mental health by taking care of your body, eating healthy food, surrounding yourself with people who give you positivity and love and more.
Value yourself, respect yourself and love yourself. Take time to do activities that you can enjoy alone. I like reading books, go window shopping and sleeping. You can go for spas, hang out by the beach or watch movies that you know no one else likes. Once you enjoy being by yourself, the outside world will matter less now that you place yourself high on the priority list.
Set goals for yourself that you know you can achieve. And learn to let go when you can't. Life is too short to be so hard on yourself. You are your own worst critic, but you can be your own greatest friend.
Please note that different people have different ways of handling things. What may work for me, may not be the same for you. I recommend seeking professional help if what you going through is severe. It is not an easy thing to take care of our mental health. Do seek help if you need to.
What do feel strongly about? Share in the comments so we can have a discussion about what matter most in your life.
About the writer
Indah Ahmad loves reading Janet Evanovich's novels. If you want to learn the life of a novice bounty hunter, check her out!
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