What do you do when your mental health is low?

[Havingadaytbh]

I’ve been seeing all the world mental health stuff today and it’s made me realise I’m really suffering with low mood, anxiety and some self esteem issues too. I feel overwhelmed all the time

I have tried to go down the dr route in the past for depression but didn’t want to take medication and the waiting list for any kind of counselling just seems to be so long.

So aside from the dr (who I will go back and see anyway), what else can I do to stop feeling so crappy all the time?

And sorry name changed for this/posting in here for traffic, just really need some advice right now.

Also meant to add I don’t really have any friends I can talk to about this kind of stuff. They’re more all just acquaintances and we don’t talk about ‘life’ really.

Get outside and exercise whether I feel like it or not. Walk run cycle or swim.

Go home, wash hair and put on nice clean flattering clothes (not jogging bottoms).

Cook something nice that is also healthy.

Order something online to look forward to eg clothes, book, hand cream.

Read, do a jigsaw, watch something good on telly.

Make plans to see a friend b

I go for a long walk in the countryside. Any kind of physical activity helps, tbh.

I have no idea if there's any science behind this, but i find that taking up a new sport/hobby that is challenging (scary even) that gets adrenalin etc going helps. Also it forces you to focus and kind of screens out other thoughts.

Also lots of natural light, if at all possible.

Also repetitive craft stuff, preferably in a group, like knitting, crocheting, felting etc - gets dopamine (?) going.

@SleepingBunnies21

I have no idea if there's any science behind this, but i find that taking up a new sport/hobby that is challenging (scary even) that gets adrenalin etc going helps. Also it forces you to focus and kind of screens out other thoughts.

Also lots of natural light, if at all possible.

Also repetitive craft stuff, preferably in a group, like knitting, crocheting, felting etc - gets dopamine (?) going.

@SleepingBunnies21 there is science behind both of yours! Physical activity we all know about of course, but tackling any new challenge / learning something new has been shown to enhance positive feelings and build self-esteem. Also true of the crafting - working with our hands on something absorbing is very good for us. Makes me wish I could knit!

OP, I have less knowledge of long-term treatments but when I get run down / low I take what I think of as a 'mental health day' as soon as possible. For me it's about being quiet, having alone time, resting my mind and doing restorative things like exercising outdoors, eating fruit and veg, getting a good night's sleep, sometimes cleaning and tidying if I feel life has gotten on top of me.

Agree re exercise especially outside

Good sleep

Good food

Avoid alcohol/ people you don’t really like

Honestly if you can afford private therapy do it. Put it above anything that’s not essential, sacrifice days out etc for it. Hobbies, sports etc are good they give you a boost in that moment but you need to deal with why you feel like this.

I do struggle with exercise and I know that would probably make me feel better.

I like the idea of learning/trying something new!

Private isn’t an option at the moment unfortunately @PinotAndPlaydough - great name by the way!

Get outside and move.
Give alcohol a rest and cut out carbs for a while.
Start a small project and congratulate yourself on reaching each target.

Plan something every day that you enjoy.

But mainly I had a lovely GP who worked me up very gently to antidepressants, and a lovely husband who always tells me to go easier on myself and rest more.

Why cut out carbs out of interest? Already tee total after some alcohol dependency in the past so fully on board with that! @HintofVintagePink

Make a list of manageable chores and tick them off, down to ‘text friend a’ - makes me feel better to achieve a little and get some order.

I book myself some counselling.
Go to the cinema (my happy place)
Make myself go swimming (even if I don’t think I want to go)
Try snd make some arrangements to see friends.
Play with my dolls house (sounds a bit funny but I find it so therapeutic).

Watch Eckhart Tolle on YouTube.

Peaceful and grounding.

Gives me acceptance of myself and belief in myself.

I go for a run. Hated it at first but now I love it- can feel the exact second the endorphins hit.

I write it down.

Get it out of my head and on paper / a note on my phone. This helps me to stop thinking about it without worrying I'll forget details etc.

Then take a break from it.

When I come back to it I try and break it down into smaller 'problems' to be solved like a sort of puzzle.

I find that writing it down helps me almost detach from it, thus giving my brain a break for a bit

Hope that makes sense