WITH so much uncertainty in the world, it is critical to monitor mental health and look after personal wellbeing.
COVID-19 is lingering and with the rising troubles surrounding Ukraine as well as the recent risk of Japanese encephalitis, there is plenty to be worried about that can have a negative impact on mental health.
The headspace Swan Hill team gave The Guardian tips for looking after mental health and some of the triggers, and how best to manage them.
Social media is a great way to connect with family and friends, especially during the years of lockdowns and isolation.
However it can be easy to fall into doom-scrolling, spending an excessive time viewing negative news.
Online algorithms work in a way that once you start engaging in this type of news it is very hard to avoid seeing this type of content.
A perfect example is the worrying number of videos from both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers that have posted to popular social media platform TikTok.
“It is important to make sure that you limit your time exposed to this news as a part of your self care,” headspace says.
“You can limit your exposure to distressing news by unfollowing certain people, pages and news sources and limiting your screen time on certain apps by using timers.”
Sometimes it can be hard for people to recognise they are not feeling as good as usual, however there are some signs to look out for.
Withdrawing from close friends and family and not getting pleasure from engaging in usually enjoyable activities are two signs of trouble with mental health.
Avoiding going to places such as school and work and not having the motivation to complete daily tasks such as going to the supermarket or taking the dog for a walk is another.
In more serious circumstances, it can restrict the ability to complete basic daily tasks such as having a shower, brushing hair or eating a balanced diet.
Mental health can also have impacts on schedules, causing difficulties with sleeping or too much sleep.
There are some simple ways to help get back on track.
Staying connected is a great way to keep calm and being around people who make you feel safe and comfortable is a great way to improve mood.
Breathing exercises can be calming and these are as simple as finding a quiet place, closing the eyes and taking a few deep breaths.
It is also beneficial to acknowledge tough periods and understanding that negative feelings are a normal response to some experiences.
Being impacted by a natural disaster or losing a loved one are upsetting, and it is important to understand that this is a normal response.
Last, it’s OK to take small steps and start with maintaining any regular routines and activities such as going to the gym, attending school or catching up with friends.
Being able to plan days and keep to that schedule is also a great way to work through a rough patch.
Call headspace Swan Hill on 4010 7100 or visit 11 Pritchard Street, Swan Hill. The national headspace hotline is 1800 650 890.
