Hi All!

Sorry it has been so long! Life has handed me a rough patch and with it came the dreadful “lows.”

There should be no shame when it comes to mental health and I will be the first to admit that I have battled with my own mental health problems for years.

Life will not always be easy and the majority of it will be completely out of your control. It then becomes about learning how to get through the difficult times and if you have mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, what helps bring positivity or even just the belief that you will make it though the rough patch at all.

This post will lend a look into the ways I deal with my periods of “lows” and hopefully help others realize they are not alone.

1. Try and find reasons as to WHY you may be in a “low” period.

Most of the time when I am going through a low, there are underlying causes as to why. (Of course, with depression this will not always be the case.) By weeding out these causes I am able to remove or fix them. For example, I had previously gone through a low and by taking a step back and evaluating my life, I found the reason behind my low to be an unhappiness with the shape I was in. This impacted various aspects of my mood, from not wanting to go out, to hating the way I looked in the mirror, to just being insecure in general. Once I realized that it was the root of my low, I set out to get in shape and with that I was able to get out of my rut. There are many reasons why one may be having a low and sometimes no reason at all, but no matter how hard it may seem, you will make it through.

2. It’s okay to not be happy ALL the time.

So many people go out into the daily world with a face of strength on. This face is meant to hide the feelings or the going ons beneath the surface. It is also why it is easy to feel as though we always need to be okay, that we all need to be happy 24/7. Sadness and lows are a part of life, embrace it, you will only learn from those emotions.

3. Stop comparing your journey to others.

With the world even more involved in social media it has become much easier to see how other peoples lives are evolving. This can lead to one feeling as though they are behind or they should have their own lives as completely together as others lives may seem. Try to remember that people do not post the bad on social media, it is like looking at the world through rose colored glasses. Go at your own speed and know that what is meant to be will be. Until then just try YOUR best, don’t let your life become anothers.

4. Leave your room!

With lows and depression, many people tend to isolate themselves. Even in movies people who are depressed are depicted as staying in bed in a dark room for days. DON’T do this, it will only make one feel more low. Go outside, sit in the sunshine, surround yourself with others even if it is the last thing you want to do. It will help distract you from whatever is going on in your mind and help you remember what living is all about.

5. Be gentle with yourself.

Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to have it all together. Realistically, none of us have it all figured out. Love yourself, be proud of the things you have lived through and fought through. Remind yourself how strong you are, how courageous you are, how absolutely one of kind you are. We all contribute something special to this world, people love you and believe in you. Just TRY to believe in yourself too.

6. Speak to a loved one or someone you trust.

One of the trickiest things for me is putting aside my pride and asking for help. It is okay to ask for help. No one said you have to do it all alone. Realize that asking for help is what makes one strong. Being in tune with your own emotions is a remarkable thing so be proud of that. The people who love you will always be there for you, all you need to do is ask.

7. Stop running.

My biggest fault is that I run. the second that life throws me a curveball or I hit a low, everything in me screams that it’s time to go. Suddenly I’m doing everything I can to escape, to not have to face what I’m feeling. That needs to stop. sometimes the best thing to do is face what you are most afraid of head on for it is the only way to conquer it. The only person who can get yourself out of a low is YOU. Running will only postpone that, the lows will come again and again until you say ENOUGH.

Depression, anxiety, and any other mental health problem can be the hardest thing one has to face in life. Sometimes we can conquer it, other times it remains a life long battle. Just please keep fighting, know it will be alright, and remember that you bring something special to the world for you are one of a kind and absolutely amazing.

Cheers,

Mirjam xx

What are some tips that you may have when it comes to mental health or fighting the dreadful “lows?”

Comment Below!