Ahmad Chehade, PharmD. Candidate
We hope that you had the opportunity to read our posts throughout the day, and we hope that they gave you a chance to self-reflect. The reality of it is, feeling emotionally or mentally unwell is a fundamental part of the human experience, especially during difficult or trying times. As strong as we may believe we are, or as strong as some people may see us, we all have moments where we feel vulnerable, where we feel unaccepted, or where we may feel lost. We’re here to tell you that it’s okay, that feeling this way doesn’t mean that you’re broken but it may mean you need to focus on yourself a bit more.
In this last post of the evening, we’re going to talk about methods to help cope with those difficult days and approaches to empower ourselves.
Exercise
Have you ever gone to the gym, went for a run, or engaged in a physical activity and had that sense of joy or inner peace after you were finished? Well, that isn’t your mind playing tricks on you, that’s the result of endorphins being released while you were exercising.1 Regular exercise is a great way to help cope with difficult times. Now, this may be easier said than done. On days when you feel down, the last thing you may want to do is be in the gym or be physically active. However, once you’re in the swing of it you’ll feel better about whatever was bothering you.
Sleep
Now sleep is not a direct cause of depression or anxiety but it does contribute. Not getting a good night’s rest can result in excessive fatigue and reduced motivation during the day, which can have an effect on our mood. Evaluating your nightly sleep routine and adjusting any disrupting factors can be an excellent approach to help make sure you get enough rest. For instance, avoiding caffeinated drinks too late at night, or stimulating activities such as television or exercise before bed can help you get to sleep quicker. Remember, rest is a necessity to optimizing your productivity and mood throughout the day.
Ask for help
Lastly, maybe one of the most important strategies of all; asking for help. Many of us feel that if we talk to someone about what’s going in our lives, that we are burdening them. This should not be the case. Looking to friends, family, or spouses you are comfortable around are a great first step to expressing how you are feeling. If you feel that you can’t express yourself the way you would like to these individuals, there are many resources out there that are purely meant for listening, whether it be counselors or help-lines. The most important thing to understand is, carrying this weight all upon yourself is not healthy for you and will not lead to a positive outcome. Understanding that mental health is a topic that should and can be openly discussed will help you and those around you.
We hope that we were able to give you some helpful approaches to help cope with times of difficulty. If you feel that someone around you is expressing signs of struggle, please reach out to them. Having someone listen can make a world of difference to someone. All of us here at Orbis are always here for you and willing to hear anything you have to say. You can reach us at ask@orbishealth.ca
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RESOURCES
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
