Today is RUOK day 2021.
A day when we stop and consciously check in with ourselves and those in our lives to see how we are all doing and to bring the topic of mental health and mental ill health to the table.
Whilst having a day to consciously acknowledge this is important, we should be doing this every day.
Checking in with ourselves. Checking in with our loved ones. Checking in with those we come across. Connecting with each other as human beings and our shared vulnerabilities.
If this pandemic has taught us nothing else, it has taught us about being human. The importance of our physical health, the importance of protecting our mental health, how vulnerable we all are, and how much we need to support each other. It’s taught us to be adaptable, to grow our resilience and to overcome adversity. It’s without a doubt brought out the best and worst in people.
I think it’s fair to say we are all exhausted. Tired from making decisions about what is safe. Struggling with the lack of clear boundaries between home, work and school. Overwhelmed by the constant stream of negative and distressing stories reported in the news. Tired from the lack of social interaction. The challenge of lifting each other up, supporting each other when we may not be feeling that great ourselves. Tired from the struggle of accepting that life is different these days and that this may be our new version of normal. And it is all still changing all the time.
But yet, don’t forget to focus on and cultivate the moments of joy. If you’re sick of walking the same streets in your 5km zone, try looking for one new thing on your walk every day. The brain relishes new experiences so rather than lament the lack of freedom, focus on finding the new in every day and give your brain something new to embrace. With spring upon us, there is plenty of “new” emerging if you take the time to bring it into focus. Same with gratitude, there is always something to be grateful for so bring that into focus too.
Enjoy the sound of the birds in the morning, the chalk drawings on the pavement, the neighbours sharing their lemons and limes and flowers. The café’s sharing their excess produce with the community, the restaurants shipping off care packages, the volunteers helping out in any way they can. These things still happen daily, so remember to focus on them. It’s not ignoring what is happening, but it is making space for the positive not just the negative. I’m sure if you pause for a moment, you can think of many more wonderful things that are happening around you.
Having conversations about mental health can be tough. People can feel ashamed and embarrassed that they are struggling. Most of us struggle with our mental health at some point. Just like we struggle with our physical health at some point. We don’t need to fear seeking help when we are physically unwell, nor do we need to fear seeking help when we are struggling with mental health.
If you are struggling, be a little bit brave and reach out for help. There are so many amazing, qualified people out there ready and willing to help. In the workplace many people have access to Employee Assistance programs, that is a good place to start for short term support. Many workplaces also have Mental Health First Aiders who can provide information and support. General Practitioners (GP’s) are a fantastic place to start a conversation. They can assist you with referrals and mental health care plans which can make accessing help more affordable. There are help lines, crisis lines and online services.
If you are struggling right now, please know that you are not alone and that help is out there. Many people have struggled and are struggling just like you. Accessing help early is important.
So on this day of RUOK, take a moment to check in with yourself and with those that you care about. If you are struggling, reach out for help. If the first person you speak to is not the right fit for you, go back to your GP and ask again.
Take care of yourself. Take care of our kids and each other. Be kind. We are living through a time and event we have not experienced before. With the right help and support, perspective, mental framing, commitment to supporting each other, kindness and compassion, we will come out of this more resilient, and stronger as a community that support each other.
RUOK?
Here are some resources you might like to check out.
留言