Mental Health Day

 

My doodle for Mental Health Day

On the 10th October, we celebrated the World Mental Health Day. I see many posts on social media on this topic and decided to write one too because mental health is often neglected but yet it is so very important. Especially in this pandemic, a lot are struggling and sometimes we dont realise how it has a huge impact in our lives.

Children these days are required to wear masks whenever they're out. They're not free to play like how they used to and should do too. Schooling environment is not the same anymore. Surely, this will have some kind of impact on their mental health.

When I pray with my kids, I often ask them to talk to Allah the way they would speak normally and a few times they have asked Allah to let things go back to how it used to. This shows that although they're still happy kids, this pandemic has somewhat affected them. 

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health but it is often neglected. I remember a time when I was going through a rough patch in my life and I struggled. I kept saying to myself to move on and keep walking but some days are just tough and I felt like giving up. At that time, I had everything I needed in life but I was not happy. I felt like I was ungrateful. Many others would want my life but yet, I felt depressed and that made me feel like it was wrong to feel depressed. But you know what? Mental health doesnt discriminate. You can have the best life but still depression might kick in. It doesnt mean you are ungrateful, it just means you need help.

Thankfully I got out of it. Looking back, it may not have been THAT bad but when I was going through it, it was hell. I figured for this Mental Health Day perhaps I should give some pointers on how to cope when you feel like your world is tumbling down. I know it helped me so if you're going through something, it might work for you too...

 1. PRAY. I cant stress this enough but talking to your Creator does help you in many ways than you can imagine. When I was going through my rough patch, I prayed. But I noticed that at the time, I only prayed and talked to God only when I'm down. That shouldnt be the way but that was how it was for me. The minute I prayed, I felt better. Alhamdulillah, I no longer pray only when I'm down. I also learnt that now, when I'm grateful, I should pray too. 

2. CRY. Cry your hearts out. Sometimes a good cry really helps. Lock yourself in the room for a while and have a good cry. But not too long, that's not healthy too!

3. Speak to your family or friends. A listening ear can do a world of good when you are feeling down. I do this a lot. My best friend is my go-to person whenever I feel down.Somehow she just have this thing that makes me look at things in a different perspective when I'm down and instantly feel better. I try to hide things from my family because I dont want them to worry so usually I will speak to my best friend but if you are more comfortable speaking to a family member, do that. 

4. Believe it or not, I watch cat videos when I'm down. I'm not a crazy cat person but I do think they're cute and watching cat videos can make me feel happy. Or baby videos. Babies will always make you feel better because they're awww so cute. 

5. Take a break. Life can be overwhelming. Even if you have the best life, it can get overwhelming sometimes. Take a break from your daily routine. Stop and drop everything and just focus on yourself for a second. Go for that haircut or a makeover. Go for a massage or facial. Pamper yourself. You deserve it!

6. Know that there's light at the end of the tunnel. Trust the process. You will get there. Have faith. 

7. Use oils that can help you with your emotions. There are a few that I use but one favourite is Release and Frankincense. Each time I feel a bit off emotionally, I will put a drop on my palms and rub it. Then I will inhale it. Alhamdulillah, that worked for me.

8. If all fails, talk to a professional. There is nothing wrong with being sick. Just like you take a panadol when you have fever, there are medications for your depression or anxiety or whatever you are going through. Speak to a professional and seek help. The only way you can get out of this is if you get help. Dont be afraid to ask for help. It doesnt show weakness, it only shows strength and your willingness to get out of this. I went to a therapist and got help. It doesnt mean I am weak. I came out stronger after that. Nothing to be ashamed of.

For this year's Mental Health Day, I wish you all a good day and ya, 2020 is kind of depressing if you look at it but we also have so many things to be grateful for. Remember to seek help if you're down and InsyaAllah, things will get better for all of us soon. 

Take care and stay safe!