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What do you do to support friends who experience mental health challenges?
See what has worked for others and share what has worked for you.
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i make lists of things that make me happy. |
Every morning I wake up hoping my mind will be quiet. I try to meditate but as soon as I stop my mind is loud again. Exercise helps but again as soon as I stop my mind is racing again. I pray for help. |
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Don't try to take it all on yourself, or pretend that only you should be the one to deal with your problems. It took me a very long time to learn this, but it's alright to be sad, and to need help. Asking for it from people you love and trust - especially those you trust - is not a sign of weakness. There's a reason humans are social beings; it's so we can support each other when we need it. |
Always reach out to somebody you trust, and if you dont have anybody you trust seek an anonymous line or a professional that is liable to help you. never give up on help, it will come. |
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Knowing that tomorrow would be new day, I kept going, and eventually things got better, and better. Be patient. It will get better.
Also taking personal days off work once in a while helps too. If your feeling down, take the day off and do something fun! |
Something that helped me get past my recent battle with depression was reconnecting with my past. For years, I loved to write. When I was battling depression I wasn't writing about things I cared most about. Now I do. My personal blog (which chronicles my battle with depression) can be seen here: http://frommyhearttoyou.wordpress.com/
I also write NHL articles for RantSports.com which can all be viewed here: http://www.rantsports.com/nhl/author/laurenburg/
Also, the counselor I saw for 2 months, along with family & a few of my good friends, really helped me. They were always there when I needed to talk and urged me to continue with my writing--even after some sites rejected me.
Honestly, without any of this I wouldn't be the success story I am today!! |
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Learn to play music. I learned a new chord on guitar, a new section of a song, whenever I felt down. You can feel great about learning your favourite song or make your own. |
Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Teen Mentor. Giving to someone else can help make you feel better about yourself and you get a new friend. |
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You only fail when you give up. Success is a long steady road of challenges to achieve your goals. There is always more than one way to concur challenges. But the most important thing I found to remember is that my goals change as I move through life. I accept this and it doesn't matter if those around me accept it or not. I need to be me. |
Challenge yourself to identify at least one good thing that has come out of a bad experience.
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Talking to others, and getting a chance to connect with my community. There are great resources out there, like 1-800-SUICIDE and 310-6789. |
Do something nice for someone, just because. |
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Growing my knowledge upon the subject of mental health has really done a lot for me, so taking an interest in how a persons mind works is a good place to start. It's easy to understand and realize why someone might feel down or why emotions get out of control.
One thing that works for bringing my mood up is physical exercise, and it really doesn't matter in what form you do it. I encourage people who don't feel like playing sports to just take a 15 minute walk to any place they like. You don't have to think about your problems, in fact try not to, just let your brain level out your serotonin. Doing some regular activity will have a positive effects on you that you will begin to feel very quickly. |
Each night think about the three things (big or small) that brought a smile to your face. Write them
down or share them with those who were a part of it. |
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