TRIGGER WARNING: Mental health disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks

I recently went through (and am still going through) a rough time with my mental health. I have had anxiety mixed with panic attack that lead to me going to the E.R. I have had depression that I had to fight and force myself to do every day things – getting out of bed was a major struggle. Going to work. Washing clothes. Being social. Everything became a huge task that I did not want to or know how to do anymore.

Though I feel significantly better than I did a few months ago with therapy and medication, I still have times where I feel extremely anxious or depressed. I had to realize this may be something I deal with for the rest of my life. I thought it would be good to talk about it a bit and share some things that have helped me along the way.

Find a safe place to talk about what you’re going through. Whether you have a friend or family member to go to or need to reach out to a professional – get out there and find someone to speak to. If you get a therapist, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist sometimes you may have to go a few sessions to get a feel of it they are a fit. You may be a bit anxious and/or guarded at first but don’t let that stop you – they may be just what you need to let out a sigh of relief.

Don’t feel like you’re a burden. You aren’t. You may feel you are but you aren’t. You may not have found that safe space. Keep looking until you do. Even if it on websites or through social media. I have found many supportive people online that don’t mind listening to what I am going through, lending an ear and giving me advice and words of encouragement. Of course you can keep your guard up and set boundaries in the beginning and not share every single thing with people, but there are people out there that have gone through or are going through the same or similar things that you are going through.

If your mental health professional suggests that you take medication and you are hesitant, ask them more about it and let them know you may want to think about it a bit. There are many different medications that are out there and you have options. If you want to look up the medication(s) that they suggest go ahead and do so. Just be warned that some people do get side effects so keep that in mind. Some are minor and others are major but you should feel comfortable enough to discuss this with your mental health care provider.

Find a happy place or things to do that make you happy. If your mental health issue(s) came on suddenly remember that there were things in the past that you enjoyed. Force yourself to do them! If you love to paint, go and paint. If you love to go to the beach – do it. It may be difficult at first but it is good to do the things you love and that make you happy.

Have a routine. This was tough for me at first because I was all over the place. Now MON – FRI I have work and I come home and do 1 of 3 things during the evening hours. For weekends I try to schedule at least 1-2 things that require me to leave the house. If I stay in all weekend my mind races and I get frustrated and sometimes depressed. If you plan ahead and stick to it I promise you will feel better about it. What also works is scheduling something with a friend or family member so that I know someone else is looking forward to doing something with me as well.

Be your best YOU. There is only one you in the whole entire world and even if you are feeling down and not yourself, do what you can to be the best you that you can be. If that means starting something new – a class, a new hobby, a business – do it. Keep yourself busy at being YOU. Figure out what you are good at, figure out what you are passionate about and go out and do it!