Welcome to the world of mental hygiene! Just like brushing your teeth keeps your mouth fresh and clean, taking care of your mental health keeps your mind feeling tip-top.

Let me start with a short story

Once upon a time, there was a person named “Moody.” Moody had a very unpredictable mood, sometimes they woke up feeling like they could conquer the world, and other days they felt like staying in bed all day.

One day, Moody decided to take control of their mental health. They went to see a therapist, who suggested they try to keep a mood diary. So, Moody got a diary and started writing down how they felt every day.

The first day, Moody woke up feeling like a million bucks and wrote “Feeling Great!” in the diary. The next day, they woke up feeling like a bag of potatoes and wrote “Feeling Like Potatoes.” This continued for a few days, until one day, Moody woke up feeling like a bag of mixed emotions (happy, sad, angry, confused, all at the same time). They couldn’t decide what to write in the diary, so they just wrote “Feeling Like a Bag of Skittles”.

The therapist was impressed with Moody’s diary and suggested they come up with a plan to deal with their moods. So, Moody made a list of things that make them feel better when they’re feeling down, like watching a show, listening to music, or reading a book.

From that day on, Moody’s life became less chaotic, they learned how to cope with their uneven mental health with humour and self-care.

Moral of the story: Even when life feels chaotic and unpredictable, it’s important to take care of our mental health and find ways to bring some lightness and humour to our days.

But… the struggle is real!

Mental health is like trying to tame a wild, unruly horse. Just when you think you’ve got it under control, it bucks you off and runs away. But unlike a wild horse, you can’t just give up and sell it to a circus. No, you have to keep trying to tame that beast, even when it feels like it’s impossible.

Somedays it may even feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while blindfolded and with one hand tied behind your back. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, you realize that you’ve been twisting and turning in the wrong direction the whole time and now all the colours are mixed up again. But unlike a Rubik’s cube, you can’t just put it down and walk away. No, you have to keep trying to solve it, even when it feels like it’s impossible.

Signs to look out for!

Some signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
• Irritability or agitation
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Difficulty managing emotions
• Withdrawing from friends and family

Having said that, it’s important to remember that everyone is different and may experience mental health challenges differently. These signs may vary from person to person, and some people may not show any signs at all but still, be struggling with their mental health.

“Taking care of your mental health and physical health is just as important as any career move or responsibility.” — Mireille Guiliano

Talking can give you a getting-out-of-the-tunnel feeling 🙂

Talking about mental health issues can be incredibly liberating. It allows you to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness, and to express the inner thoughts and emotions that you may have been keeping to yourself. By sharing your experiences, you can also connect with others who may be going through similar struggles, and feel less alone in your journey.

Additionally, discussing mental health can lead to better understanding and more effective support from friends, family, and professionals. Most importantly, talking about mental health issues can be an important step in the healing process and can help to foster a more compassionate and understanding society.

Why prioritize mental health care?

Because let’s face it, if your brain is a mess, the rest of your body might as well be wearing sweatpants and eating cold pizza for breakfast. It’s like a gym membership for your brain. Sure, you could just sit on the couch and let your mind go to seed, but who wants to be a mental couch potato? Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental wellness are all important for a well-rounded, fit brain. Take care of your mind, and the rest will fall into place.

Think of mental health care as a spa day for your brain. A little relaxation, some stress-relieving activities, and maybe even a massage for those pesky negative thoughts. Trust me, your brain will thank you.

So grab a notebook, a cosy blanket, and maybe a glass of G&T (or juice, I don’t judge), and let’s get started on this journey to a happier, healthier self!

||mannu||