jengettinglost

Navigating Rough Mental Health Days

 

How do you manage your bad days? It’s a question many of us grapple with as we navigate the unpredictable terrain of mental health. Some days, the sun shines brightly, and we feel invincible. Other days, however, clouds gather, casting a shadow over our thoughts and emotions.

Today, I woke up unusually early (6:20am, and I didn’t need to be awake for another two hours) feeling jittery and shockingly alert. “Maybe I just need to pee and then I’ll fall back asleep?” An hour later and still in my bed, I was Googling the looming physiological effects of a solar eclipse while talking to a friend of mine on the phone. Yes, at 7:20am, someone who can barely pronounce their name until several hours after waking up, I was already on the phone, heart-racing, having a full-blown conversation. “What the heck is going on? Why am I so wired?”; it was one of those mornings where you know from the moment you open your eyes that the day ahead might be a struggle.

The thought of working, of dealing with complaining customers while trying to manage this feeling of adrenaline coursing though me made me even more nervous, and I immediately scheduled myself off with a mental health day. I texted my work bestie and told her “I’m taking a mental health day today. You’re going to miss me ?”, and she texted me back to ask if I was okay. I ended up calling her only to discover that she herself was in a full-on panic over something, and I jokingly said to her “maybe you need a mental health day too!”. There we were, both laughing hysterically about the anxiety we were both having and how our mental health issues are making us feel like basket-cases.

If you’re reading this and nodding along, perhaps feeling a similar weight on your shoulders, know that you’re not alone. Bad days happen to everyone, regardless of how well-managed or balanced their mental health may typically be. What matters most is how we navigate these challenging moments and emerge stronger on the other side.

Here are some strategies that can help when facing a particularly tough day of mental health:

  1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step in managing a bad day is acknowledging how you feel. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Give yourself permission to experience the full range of emotions without judgment.
  2. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend going through a difficult time. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of life.
  3. Take Small Steps: Break tasks down into manageable steps. Rather than overwhelming yourself with the entire day’s workload, focus on one small task at a time. Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how minor it may seem.
  4. Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. This could include taking a walk in nature, practicing deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, or indulging in a favorite hobby.
  5. Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals for support. Sometimes, talking to someone who understands can provide much-needed comfort and perspective.

As I navigate my own challenging day, I remind myself of these strategies. I take moments to breathe deeply (just not around Meeko ?‍???) and to remind myself that it’s okay not to be at my best every day. I prioritize self-care activities that bring me joy and calm my nerves and racing thoughts.

Remember, bad days are temporary. They do not define us or our capabilities. By practicing self-compassion, seeking support when needed, and taking small steps forward, we can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

How do you manage your bad days of mental health? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below. Together, we can support and uplift one another on this journey towards better mental well-being.

Thanks for reading!

Jen


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