For the last week or so I’ve kind of been struggling with my mental health, so I thought that’s what I would speak about in this week’s blog. At SafeHope Home we spend a lot of time working on our past traumas in a therapeutic school-type setting. I do feel that this is extremely helpful, but at times I still find that I feel things from one extreme to the next. I thought I should explain to you what these extremes look like for me. In my experience, I can feel like I’m on top of the world and doing great, almost forgetting about my mental health lows. But then seemingly within a couple of minutes, my mood just drops and I can’t seem to get thoughts of self-harm and suicide out of my mind for weeks at a time.
I think it’s important to note that setbacks are normal and some people may need more help than others (I usually find myself needing a little extra help). I believe that it is so important to not shame people who are seeking help when struggling with their mental health. That way, when individuals are struggling, they feel comfortable asking for help which can prevent more serious occurrences from happening.
It can be so easy to spiral into a negative headspace. If you are struggling with your own mental health, please know that asking for help is the strong thing to do. Living with mental health issues is possible and you are so worthy of life. I know this may sound cheesy, but try saying positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror when you wake up. Even if you don’t believe what you’re saying, repeat them over and over again. Giving these suggestions seems a little hypocritical to me, as I can forget my own positive coping strategies at times. It’s never too late to come back to things and it’s never too late to create new coping skills.
Other things that seem to help me a lot are speaking to the staff here at SafeHope Home, reaching out to loved ones, and telling on myself when I’m having thoughts of self-harm and suicide. It’s taken me an extremely long time to feel comfortable reaching out when my mental health is slipping. I still don’t really “enjoy” doing it, but I know that it’s going to help so I do it anyway. If you’re struggling, please keep trying. You will eventually find something that works for you. You can do this.
Ciao for now Ricky
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