It’s important to remember that even when you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Many of us have our struggles and no matter how small or insignificant they seem, they’re all equally important to talk about. To help raise awareness on Time To Talk Day, we take a look at how mental health can affect carers and the ways in which you can improve your own mental health.
1. Coping with loneliness
Loneliness isn’t in itself a mental health problem, rather something that people who experience mental health often struggle with. The feeling of isolation can leave you feeling at times lost or unable to reach out to somebody or simply not feeling connected. If you’re feeling lonely, feel encouraged to take some small steps in the right direction by trying:
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- Take it slow
- Look after yourself
- Speak to colleagues
- Make new connections
2. Coping with Stress
We understand how stressful the role of a carer can be. Whether you’re part-time, a volunteer or a full time carer, stress can build and begin to affect your mental health. It’s important to manage stress and look after yourself, whether this be talking with someone, managing your time better or keeping it simple with some relaxation techniques.
3. Self-Esteem & Wellness
Trying to change something based on our own values and opinions can be hard, your self-esteem is how you value and perceive yourself. Low self-esteem can leave you feeling down, disliked or like you are worthless and no one likes you, which is far from the case. There are steps you can take to help improve and increase your self-esteem and to have a more positive mindset and perception of yourself.
- Be kind to yourself
- Notice and appreciate the good things, no matter how small
- Build a support network
- Be more assertive
It’s easier said than done, but with some small steps you can make those positive changes. Check out these self-esteem tips from Mind for more information.
4. Ways to stay positive
In work or out of work, having a positive mindset is important. We understand it is hard and that those bad days do happen, these can’t be avoided, everyone gets them so you are not alone. But making some small steps in the right direction can ensure there’s plenty more positive days than negative ones.
- Be more optimistic
- Be in a positive environment
- Lead a healthier lifestyle
- Be more proactive with criticism
- Go slow, relax and take a step back when you need too
5. Alternative ways to spend Valentine’s Day
Not quite feeling the love? Valentine’s day can often be one of the hardest times of the year, regardless of whether you are in a relationship or not. In a celebration of love and togetherness, it can often highlight how alone, different or low we feel.
You can make Valentine’s Day less of a fear by finding alternative ways to spend the day.
- Galentine’s Day – Spend the day with friends and forget about the loved up couples. This is your chance to be with the people who will be there for you, relationship or not.
- Love Yourself – Do something that’s just for you. Try a class, go on an adventure, invest the time into yourself and the rest will follow.
- Do nothing – Obvious? Maybe, but ignoring it all as it’s just another day is an excellent way of spending the day. A quiet night in with Netflix and a cosy bed sounds just perfect. What’s Valentine’s Day?
6. What to do if you’re struggling
If you have experienced any of the issues raised in the post, we encourage you to reach out and talk to somebody. This could be family, friends, work colleagues or if you want to remain anonymous and need a place to feel at ease, the Samaritans & Mind are a phone call away.
Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org
Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk/
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