The conversation about mental health is slowly beginning to enter the mainstream with campaigners and social media activists working to destigmatize the subject. If you are someone who suffers with some form of mental illness, then looking for proactive ways of coping and getting help when you need it are essential to being able to live your life to the full and not be limited by your internal struggles.
Getting the help that you need when you need it is the most vital thing you can do to help you control your mental illness going forward. Learning more about self-harm and self harm recovery is a positive step in the right direction and will lead to you talking to the professionals when you need to.
When you feel the urge to act upon your emotions, try to remove yourself from the situation. For example, go outside and take the deep breaths or walk into a room with other people in it.
Always try and take note of what triggers these feelings so that you understand what needs to be worked through in order to get better.
This top tip is ideal for the days where your mental illness isn't in full swing, but you still need some help to feel like yourself and get through the day, which is where self-image comes into play.
Research proves the way you dress affects your behavior so, when you are feeling down, dress for the mood you want to have. You might not feel like putting on your favorite dress or doing your hair, but this will actually help to increase your mood and feel more secure in yourself.
When you are having a difficult day, even the most seemingly simple of tasks can seem like too much, and this is a perfectly normal feeling. To help you not be limited by this on a day to day basis, finding easy things you can do to improve your mood and help you get on with your day is a great idea.
Use the below checklist next time you are feeling down (even print it out and stick it next to your bed so that you're prepared).
Get outside- even if it is just to walk to the corner store and by some milk, the fresh air and change of scenery will always have a positive impact.