Depression + Healthy Living Archives • I Choose Beauty

Self-care to get through this political unrest

January 19, 2021January 11, 2021 by Sahar Aker

Whatever self-care you need to get through this time of overwhelming political unrest, do that.

⁣⁣Get out in nature, take a nap, listen to music that makes you feel good, light some candles, read a book, meditate, exercise, diffuse your favorite essential oils, savor your favorite food, watch a movie, take lots of deep breaths… whatever you need. Just take care of you. ⁣⁣

This is all very heavy. And comes on the heels of the hardships we already endured in 2020.⁣⁣

So please, if you need support right now, reach out:⁣⁣

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or text MHA to 741-741.⁠⁣⁠⁣
If you are not in crisis, but need to talk to someone, my partner, Mental Health America, can help you find a warmline. Warmlines connect you with trained support staff who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems, and can help you address your current situation. Go to mhanational.org/warmlines to find a warmline near you. ⁠⁣⁣⁣

Take good care. xx

⁣⁠⁣⁠It doesn’t feel like a new year to me…

January 12, 2021January 4, 2021 by Sahar Aker

⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠I’m looking ahead, starting new projects, setting new goals… but something just feels off.⁣⁠⁣⁠

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it doesn’t feel like a fresh start, clean slate, hit the ground running kind of thing… like it usually does at the beginning of a new year.⁠⁣⁠

Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond thrilled to put 2020 behind me. But I’m more about easing my way into 2021, rather than going all in. I have hope in my heart, yet I’m also filled with a strange sense of caution. ⁣⁠⁣⁠

Anyone else?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shine your light when you can; rest when you need to

December 15, 2020December 14, 2020 by Sahar Aker

That’s been my motto for the past couple of years, as I’ve learned to be better in tune with my body and what it needs to heal (cat cuddles always help).

⁠⁠I’ve been in bed a ton over the past several weeks. Because SHINGLES, you guys! Right in the middle of the busiest time in e-commerce and my businesses. Are you kidding me?!?!

⁠⁠I realize we’re ALL exhausted this year, so I wanted to remind you to give yourself permission to rest. If that’s hard for you to do, I get it. I’m still working on it myself, but I’m definitely getting sooooo much better at it.⁠⁠

Also, a reminder that if you’re struggling with your mental health, please get help. It’s truly life-changing how having the right tools can improve your coping skills, and help you grow. ⁠⁠

My partner, Mental Health America, has lots of resources on how to live a mentally healthier life here.

Please take good care. xx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thanksgiving 2020 amidst covid

November 28, 2020November 23, 2020 by Sahar Aker

Thanksgiving may look different this year for so many of us, and it’s hard.

⁠⁠I’m focusing on all that I’m grateful for right now, which definitely helps. But I’m not ignoring my sadness. It’s important to allow ourselves to feel our feelings – anger, frustration, disappointment – all are valid. Feel them and process them. I sure have been. ⁠⁠

Please take good care of yourself. And if you’re really hurting this week, get help.⁠⁠

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or text MHA to 741-741.⁠⁠

If you are not in crisis, but need to talk to someone, my partner, Mental Health America can help you find a warmline. Warmlines connect you with trained support staff who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems, and can help you address your current situation. Go to mhanational.org/warmlines to find a warmline near you.

How a sea of emptiness turned into a journey to fill my soul

November 28, 2020November 16, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠It’s funny that what seemed like a sea of emptiness a few years ago was instead a journey to fill my soul in ways I never would have imagined.⁠⁠

Let me explain…⁠⁠

When we first moved to Maui almost five years ago, I left behind all my close friends and family. The loneliness was unbearable, and I kept asking God why life had brought me here. ⁠⁠

Turns out, this is exactly where I was supposed to be. ⁠⁠

I needed the silence, the unbusyness, the isolation, so that I could return home to myself. The self I’d run away from for decades.⁠⁠

With the quiet enveloping me, I was forced to look inward. And to dig deep. Deeper than I knew was possible.⁠⁠

The work I’ve done in therapy here has been harrowing, enlightening, and life-changing. ⁠⁠

I’m figuring out:⁠⁠

That I can heal from trauma (with a lot of excruciating work and professional guidance).⁠⁠
How to let my feelings surface, really feel them, and process them… instead of shoving them down and burying them.⁠⁠
How to find my voice, and speak my mind. ⁠⁠
To learn to trust my intuition.⁠⁠
How to finally stand up for myself. ⁠⁠

I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, and how much I’ve learned and grown. I’m closer to myself than I’ve ever been before.⁠⁠

Turns out, I was never alone after all.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Election eve mental health

November 4, 2020November 2, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠It’s election eve 2020. And I’m keeping myself calm by focusing on what I can control.⁠⁠

I haven’t watched, read, or listened to any news in more than two weeks. I stopped looking at the vile comments people somehow feel are okay to say to one another.⁠⁠

It was all too much. My anxiety had reached nightmarish levels, quite literally.⁠⁠

The months leading up to this election have been toxic like no other. And our mental health has suffered greatly because of it. ⁠⁠

This is your reminder to take good care of yourself, avoid poisonous people, and focus on what you can control.

⁠⁠I will break my news-detox tomorrow to watch the election results. I pray we can once again come together as a country.⁠⁠

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or text MHA to 741-741.⁠⁠

If you are not in crisis, but need to talk to someone, my partner, Mental Health America, can help you find a warmline. Warmlines connect you with trained support staff who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems, and can help you address your current situation. Go to mhanational.org/warmlines to find a warmline near you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

News detox

November 4, 2020October 19, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠I haven’t seen, read, or listened to any news since last Thursday. That’s like an eternity for this former journalist/news junkie.⁠⁠

But as an empath and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), it all got to be too much. To the point where I had three nightmares in one week, and woke up screaming at the top of my lungs each time. It was TERRIFYING. And left me jittery with anxiety, not able to sleep because I was afraid of it happening again. ⁠⁠

So for now, I’m practicing a little ignorant bliss. And I’m okay with that. ⁠⁠As my therapist reminded me, everything we consume affects us – food, drinks, environmental toxins… and the news. So please adjust accordingly. Because your body is paying attention.⁠⁠

If you’re struggling with your mental health right now, know that you are absolutely not alone. It’s been a troublesome year.

⁠⁠If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or text MHA to 741-741.⁠⁠

If you are not in crisis, but need to talk to someone, call a warmline for support. Warmlines connect you with trained support staff who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems, and can help you address your current situation. Go to mhanational.org/warmlines to find a warmline near you. ️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mental Illness Awareness Week 2020

October 5, 2020October 5, 2020 by Sahar Aker

There’s no doubt that our collective mental health is hurting during this turbulent year (I’ve personally had plenty of days where I just want to hide from the world). Which makes Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) even more critical right now. ⁠⁠

I’m all about sharing my journey and what I’ve learned along the way, in the hopes that it’ll somehow help you. And I also want to empower you. This week, let’s do both.

⁠⁠For this year’s MIAW theme – 7 Days, 7 Ways – we’ll be talking about seven major mental health conditions, as well as seven things you can do to support mental health advocacy.

⁠⁠The 7 conditions we’ll be focusing on:

⁠⁠Anxiety⁠
Bipolar Disorder⁠
Psychosis
⁠Eating Disorders⁠
Depression⁠
PTSD⁠
Addiction/Substance Use Disorder⁠⁠

The 7 ways to get involved with mental health awareness and advocacy:⁠⁠

Challenge your beliefs⁠
Act on advocacy⁠
Support others⁠
Reset and engage in self-care⁠
Get screened⁠
Get mental health into the debates
⁠Give⁠⁠

My partner, Mental Health America, has detailed info about all of the above, and more about Mental Illness Awareness Week on its website here.

Looking forward to having these important conversations with you, friends!

⁠⁠What’s in my mental health toolbox?

October 4, 2020September 28, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠I wanted to share what I turn to when I’m struggling, in case it might help you during these overwhelming times.⁠⁠

Most of the tools aren’t actually in this giant box I’m holding , but rather things I’ve learned to do over the years that have been incredibly useful during the challenges of 2020.⁠⁠

The first two are the most important, and are lifesaving for me: ⁠therapy and medsI will never stop saying this – Please don’t be ashamed to get professional help! ⁠⁠

Basic healthy lifestyle things: good sleep, a clean diet, exercise, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins⁠⁠

My daily #ichoosebeauty practice to notice the beauty in life’s little things every day ⁠⁠

Coping statements that you see me post here, like “focus on the good,” “keep going,” and “it’s going to be okay”⁠⁠

Reframing negative thoughts – a great resource for this is The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

Meditating (I use Insight Timer)

⁠⁠Journaling (I use the prompts in the Finding Hope journal I created)

⁠⁠Resting without feeling guilty (I’m getting better at this!)

⁠⁠Keeping things around that make me feel good – inspirational card decks, music, anything lavender… ⁠⁠

Do I still struggle? Of course, I do. Mental health is a constant battle with your brain. But these tools help me come out ahead most days. ⁠⁠

Want more ideas? My partner, Mental Health America, has lots of helpful info on its website here.

Believe simpler times will return

September 14, 2020September 14, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠Simpler times will return. We have to keep believing. ⁠⁠

That said… if you’re struggling with your mental health right now, know that help is available. My partner, Mental Health America, has plenty of resources on its website: everything from free and anonymous mental health screenings to DIY tools to information on affordable treatment if you don’t have insurance. Click here to get started.

If you’re in crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Covid’s toll on our mental health

September 2, 2020August 31, 2020 by Sahar Aker

If the pandemic (and all the challenges that came with it) has been affecting your mental health, you’re most definitely not alone. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows just how much the stress of Covid is hurting us mentally.⁠⁠

The results are based on a survey that was done in June. It finds depression symptoms were four times higher, and anxiety symptoms were three times higher between April and June 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. There was also a big increase in suicidal thoughts and substance abuse. ⁠⁠

From the CDC report:⁠⁠

40% of US adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use. Of them:
⁠⁠31% had anxiety/depression symptoms⁠
26% had trauma/stressor-related disorder symptoms
⁠13% started or increased substance use ⁠
11% seriously considered suicide⁠⁠

Suicidal thoughts were significantly higher for respondents aged 18–24, Hispanics, Blacks, unpaid caregivers for adults, and essential workers.⁠⁠

If you’re struggling with your mental health right now, please know there is help out there. ⁠⁠If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text MHA to 741-741.⁠⁠

If you are not in crisis, but need to talk to someone, call a warmline for support. Warmlines connect you with trained support staff who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems, and can help you address your current situation. Go to mhanational.org/warmlines to find a warmline near you. ⁠⁠

Please take good care, friends.

How to celebrate your small wins during Covid

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠In a year where we’ve faced so many challenges and have been forced to adjust our goals and plans over and over, it’s easy to feel like we’re getting nowhere fast. But that’s simply not true.⁠⁠

It may be hard to see the small wins in your life in the midst of all the chaos in the world right now, but writing them down helps so much. I keep track of mine in this simple notebook, and it’s made such a difference in how I feel about myself. ⁠⁠

It’s proof that good things are happening and that you’re making progress… maybe in a different way, or on a slightly different schedule than you planned… but you’re still moving forward.

⁠⁠Any win counts. ⁠⁠

Try this exercise and let me know if it helps you. Don’t wait until you hit your ultimate goal to feel accomplished. Always celebrate your small wins. ️⁠⁠

And if you want to learn other ways to be mentally healthy, my partner, Mental Health America, has lots of helpful ideas on its website here.

⁠My inner child work journey

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020 by Sahar Aker

I’ve spent the past several months learning to love this sweet girl – little Sahar – realizing it’s the only path to the self love I’ve struggled to reach for so long.

I’ve been talking to her, listening to her, squeezing her tight.

It’s part of the inner child work I’ve been doing in therapy, and quite honestly, it’s as if I learned a new language. Inner child, unprocessed trauma, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are just a few terms that were new to me, and are now a huge part of my healing journey.

EMDR was how I started to discover a whole world inside me that I didn’t know existed. Slowly, we peeled back the layers, finding memories I never knew I had. Months of processing those memories and feelings has been excruciating, but so worth it.

Physically, my body had been holding on to the trauma and expressed it as illness. A severe panic attack last year, four months of subsequent vertigo, and the discovery of my upper cervical injury were the loud signs that my body was overwhelmed.

At the time, I knew something was wrong – I knew I had been triggered and that I was hurting mentally and emotionally… I just had no idea about the physical connection. And I certainly had no clue that it would lead me on this path to healing that little girl.

It’s all been a huge reminder how critical it is to really listen to your body. If something seems off, know that it’s okay to get help. A good place to start is with a mental health screening from my partner, Mental Health America. It’s a quick and easy way to determine whether you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. It’s free, confidential, and anonymous. Click here to get started.

The healing journey I never knew I needed

July 27, 2020July 27, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁣⁣I’ve been on a healing journey the last two years that I never even knew I needed. ⁣⁣

Several triggers in my life forced the emotional trauma I’d buried decades ago to bubble up. Then overflow. I felt like I was drowning in pain.

⁣⁣It’s funny how you think you’ve already healed a part of you then realize you’re far from it. ⁣⁣

I needed to go deeper. Much deeper. And I’m grateful for my therapist who’s been there to help me through it all.⁣⁣

The work has been excruciating, exhausting, enlightening. I go all in, process what I’ve uncovered, fall apart… then take time to rest.

⁣⁣Slowly, I’m discovering who I really I am. Gradually, I’m standing up for myself. Gently, I’m learning to love the me I’ve long disassociated with – the me I never knew I needed.

⁣⁣I will share more about my journey in the coming weeks in the hope that it helps someone else. ⁣⁣

Remember, if you’re struggling with your mental health, know that it’s okay to get help. My partner, Mental Health America, has plenty of resources on its website: everything from free and anonymous mental health screenings to DIY tools to information on affordable treatment if you don’t have insurance. Click here to get started.

⁠⁠What are you doing to help you get through the hard days of 2020?

July 20, 2020July 20, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠What are you doing to help you get through the hard days of 2020?

⁠⁠I’ve definitely been leaning on my daily #ichoosebeauty practice of looking for life’s little things every day. It’s a nice reminder that beauty still exists despite the hardships we’re all facing because of the pandemic and everything else going on in our country.⁠⁠

Some of the other things that have been helping me over the last few months: going on walks, getting out in nature, watching funny shows to take my mind off things, naps, cooking, music, journaling, and therapy.⁠⁠

How about you? What helps you on the hard days? Share in the comments on this Instagram post.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that it’s okay to get help

July 14, 2020July 13, 2020 by Sahar Aker

How are you feeling today?

⁠⁠This emotionally overwhelming 2020 marathon just keeps going. And in turn, we have to figure out how to keep going, as well.⁠⁠

It has helped me to focus on being present and just taking it day by day. But I’ll admit, the past two weeks have been extra challenging for me. ⁠⁠

I’ve been pulling out all the mental health tools I’ve gathered over the years to help me cope, and of course continuing to go to therapy.⁠⁠

Unfortunately, it’s going to be a long haul, friends. So please, if you’re struggling with your mental health, know that it’s okay to get help.⁠⁠⁣⁠

If you need support right now, my partner Mental Health America has plenty of resources on its website: everything from free and anonymous screenings to DIY tools to information on affordable treatment if you don’t have insurance. Click here to get started.⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠

Take good care, friends.

Give yourself permission to rest

July 7, 2020June 29, 2020 by Sahar Aker

Me, the past several days since I threw out my back last week.

I’m still having painful muscle spasms, despite my meds, ice cream, and kitty cuddles. I haven’t been able to do much, and of course, I keep thinking about all the things I need to do.⁣⁠⁣⁠

But I’m pretty sure this was one of those signs from the universe forcing me to slow down. Again. Because apparently, I still need to work on that whole letting-myself- rest-before-it’s-too-late thing.⁣⁠⁣⁠

So this is a reminder to you… to let yourself rest when you need to, and to give yourself grace. Learn from me and my painful lessons.

And please take care of your mental health, now more than ever. This year has been so draining mentally, which can take its toll physically.

⁣⁠⁣⁠If you need support right now, my partner Mental Health America has plenty of resources on its website: everything from free and anonymous screenings to DIY tools to information on affordable treatment if you don’t have insurance. Click here to get started.⁣⁠⁣⁠

Take good care, friends.

Have you noticed how everything seems sweeter this year?⁠⁠

July 14, 2020June 22, 2020 by Sahar Aker

Have you noticed?⁠⁠

That all the little things in life seem sweeter this year?

⁠⁠Have you noticed?⁠⁠

Flowers are more fragrant, tea is more comforting, music lifts you up and soothes your soul like never before?

⁠⁠Have you noticed?⁠⁠

Texts make your day, conversations are more meaningful, hugs are longer and tighter?⁠⁠

Have you noticed?⁠⁠

You can’t get enough fresh air, you smile when you look up at the clouds, you can’t wait for those video calls with friends and family you haven’t seen in months?

⁠⁠Have you noticed?

⁠⁠All the beauty around you is more special?

⁠⁠I have. ⁠⁠

As I’ve continued my daily #ichoosebeauty practice over these challenging months, I’ve noticed the difference in all of it. And I’ve never been more grateful for the beauty in life’s little things.⁠⁠

How about you? Have you noticed?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The unexpected magic of 2020

June 15, 2020June 15, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠⁠Remember when we were all enthralled by what would be 2020?! A new year, a new decade, a seemingly magical number… 20-20… Oh, the hopes and dreams we had!⁠⁠

And then… it felt like a train wreck real fast.⁠⁠

Things were unbearable when Covid hit. And escalated with everything going on with the racism in this country.⁠⁠

If you’re like me, you may be thinking that this is not the enchanting 2020 you had in mind! Not by a long shot.⁠⁠

But when I was talking to my therapist about this recently, she challenged me into thinking that maybe 2020 IS magical, just in different ways than we imagined.⁠⁠

Maybe the magic is in pushing ourselves as individuals and as a country. In the growth we are all experiencing this year. In learning what really matters.

⁠⁠And maybe, just maybe… the magic is that we will end up with exactly what we need.⁠⁠

One thing is for sure, these last few months have taken a toll on our collective mental health. So make sure you’re taking care of yours.⁠⁠

If you need some extra support right now, my partner Mental Health America can help with things like free screenings, referrals for mental health providers, and information on affordable treatment if you don’t have insurance.

Take good care, friends. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fighting racism as an empath

June 8, 2020June 8, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠My heart is so heavy for all my Black family members, friends, and community. ⁠⁠

The racism in this country is disgusting, but you know what shook me even more over the past few days? Seeing so many vile comments filled with hatred in places I never dreamed they’d be. I was flabbergasted, and my heart sank even more. But at least this brought racists out to the surface, right? So I know who I don’t want in my life. ⁠⁠

Like I learned years ago in therapy… we must have darkness to see the light. And this week, I can see that light in the unity, in the protests still going strong, and in the changes starting to happen.⁠⁠

As an empath, I’m trying to find the balance between keeping up with what’s going on, using my energy to speak out and act, and resting so that I’m not completely depleted.

⁠⁠We must keep fighting against racism and police brutality. There’s obviously a lot of work to do, and it’s going to take all of us to make real change happen. But we must also take care of our mental health. ⁠⁠

This is hard. This is heavy. It’s going to be a long road, and we can’t quit. So know that it’s okay to take a break when you need one. I always find that when I do that, I come back even stronger. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Do something

June 5, 2020June 1, 2020 by Sahar Aker

It’s not enough to feel outraged about what happened to George Floyd. We must all DO SOMETHING. Whether it’s speaking up on social media, having the tough conversations with friends and family, or making a donation to organizations that are fighting racism. Do something. Change won’t happen without action.

A few suggestions:

Sign the #JusticeForFloyd petition. It calls for the four officers involved in his death to have their pensions revoked, be blocked from ever working in law enforcement again, and to be charged with murder. Signing the petition will send a letter to Mayor Jacob Frey and District Attorney Michael Freeman. Text FLOYD to 55156 to sign it.

Donate to the official George Floyd Memorial Fund: gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd

Support groups fighting hate and seeking justice like the NAACP, ACLU, and Southern Poverty Law Center

Read AND do the work outlined in these books:

–“White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism”

–“Me and White Supremacy”

❗Do not be silent. Use your voice. DO SOMETHING.❗

Mental Health Month: Creating Healthy Routines

July 14, 2020May 18, 2020 by Sahar Aker

My usual routines for exercising, eating healthy, and being consistent with my sleep have definitely fallen by the wayside lately… understandably. I’ve been giving myself grace, but I’m also trying to get back to some semblance of a routine – even if it looks different than it used to pre-pandemic – because I know how important it is for both my mental and physical health.⁠ ⁠

The great thing about routines, especially if you’re struggling mentally, is that they become like second nature, and make it easier to get things done without having to think too much. ⁠

To help you better incorporate healthy routines into your schedule, I want to share a worksheet with you from my partner, Mental Health America. It’s one of many tools available for Mental Health Month to help you make small changes that can really impact how you feel.⁠ ⁠ ⁣

This week’s exercises will help you identify your goals, find out what’s getting in your way of achieving them, and schedule them in a way that makes them attainable.⁣

To get the worksheet, download the free Mental Health Month Toolkit at mhanational.org/may, then look for the “Creating Healthy Routines” handout. ⁣⁠ ⁣

Other tips that can help: ⁣⁠ ⁣

Start small.⁠ Pick one little thing to work on each week. It could be adding something new and positive, or cutting out a bad habit.⁠ ⁠
Try to plan ahead.⁠ Life is uncertain right now, but try to stack the odds in your favor by doing things like prepping meals ahead of time or putting your workouts on a calendar.⁠ ⁣⁠
Reward yourself for small victories.⁠ When you reach your goal – no matter how small it is – take a few minutes to recognize it. You walked around the block for five minutes instead of doing nothing? Good job! High-five yourself to celebrate😆, do a happy dance to mark the accomplishment, or treat yourself to something you enjoy. ⁠

Personally, my walks have been so sporadic lately, I’ve been sleeping way more than usual, and my diet is definitely not as clean as it usually is. Like I said, I’m giving myself grace… and taking tiny steps towards routines that I know will help me feel better.

Mental Health Month: Owning your feelings

May 18, 2020May 11, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠The pandemic has brought up so many different emotions for all of us: fear, sadness, loneliness, etc. No matter what you’ve experienced over the past few weeks, owning those feelings will help you work through them… and feel better.⁠⁣⁠⁠⁣⁠

To help you process those feelings, I want to share a worksheet with you from my partner, Mental Health America. It’s part of Mental Health Month’s tools available to help you make small changes that can have a big impact on your mental health.⁠⁣⁠⁠⁣⁠⁣️

This week’s exercises will guide you on how to identify what you’re experiencing, which can then help you feel better and improve your communications and relationships⁠ with others.⁠️⁣⁠⁠⁣⁠️

To get the worksheet, download the free Mental Health Month Toolkit at mhanational.org/may, then look for the “Owning your feelings” handout.

⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠Other tips that can help: ⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠

Allow yourself to feel. ⁠⁣⁠Ignore societal pressures that encourage you to shut down your emotions – they’re outdated and can be harmful. You have every right to feel your feelings.
⁠⁣⁠⁠⁣⁠⁣Talk it out. ⁠⁣⁠Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling, whether it’s someone who’s going through something similar, or someone you can lean on that’s a great listener.
⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠Try journaling. ⁠⁣⁠Every night, write down at least three feelings you had that day and what caused them. It’ll help you practice being comfortable with identifying and expressing your emotions. If you need prompts to guide you, my “Finding Hope” journal can help.

⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠Learning to identify my feelings and allowing myself to feel them was really hard for me for a long time. But it ended up helping me so much, and it definitely gets easier with practice.

Mental Health Month: Finding the positive after loss

May 18, 2020May 4, 2020 by Sahar Aker

We’ve all lost things during the Covid pandemic: whether it’s being with loved ones, our usual routines, income, school, big events, etc.

So how do we find the positive after loss?

All month long, I’ll share free worksheets from my partner, Mental Health America as part of Mental Health Month’s #Tools2Thrive theme – tools to help you make small changes that have a big impact on your mental health. This week’s exercises will help you look for the good, and show you how to rethink difficult situations. ️

Download the free Mental Health Month Toolkit at mhanational.org/may, then look for the “Finding the Positive After Loss” handout.

Other tips to help you get by:

Try to see your experience as strength. Going through the pain of the pandemic can make us stronger. Learning to carry on helps give us the coping skills we need right now, and they’ll also help us with tough times in the future..

Do things that make you happy. Pampering yourself can help you remember how to feel good after dealing with a difficult situation, and bring you back to a place where you can appreciate all the positive things life has to offer. Choose something that makes you feel good… whatever that may be.

Don’t be afraid to get help. It’s normal to have trouble adjusting to life during these uncertain times, but if you can’t seem to function or just don’t know how to feel better, get help. Ask your primary care provider for a mental health professional referral. If you don’t have insurance, look for services with payment assistance at samhsa.gov/find-treatment.

I’m right there with you, friends. This is a tough time for us all.

Take good care,

Other tips that can help: ⁣⁠ ⁣

⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠Other tips that can help: ⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠

Other tips to help you get by:

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