How are you protecting your mental health?

[Invasionofthegutsnatchers]

Shitstorm going on in the news, dark evenings etc. Personally I'm dealing with my insomnia by listening to my favourite musical theatre soundtrack with earphones. How about you?

Home workouts have saved me. I'd started losing weight just before this all started and I've kept going working on my self. I am finding it a bit more difficult this winter though and the thought of another lockdown fills me with absolute dread 😟

By ignoring the news as much as possible.

I'd rather read or watch other TV.

I would be fine but my GP isn't issuing my ADHD medications or ADs when I order them online and can't offer me a telephone apppointment until mid January.

I think I've already convinced myself Xmas will be cancelled as I'll catch it this week
Even if I just get a cold I wont get the test results back in time no doubt
I've sort of accepted it but I am struggling to sleep

Exercise, running every day, yoga, strength training and swimming. Making an extra effort to ensure my diet is healthy and cutting out alcohol.

I’ve discovered it’s very important for me to exercise right at the start of the day otherwise I feel crap and unproductive.

I feel crap and unproductive
that is how I feel without my medications that I have had for 14 years

Carrying on going out and about helps me as does cuddling my kittens.

Getting out and about as much as possible in crowded busy places so it feels like a normal Christmas.

Taking each day as it comes has been a really great practise for me these last few years!
Regular exercise
Focussing on what's inside your own 4 walls
Fresh air every day
Not watching much news
Making the house nicer - done so much decluttering!

*practice

Swimming, decluttering, making the house look and smell nice. Avoiding the news, watching Christmas films, going out for meals, meeting friends and family whilst I still can, buying nice food to eat at home. Using luxury bath products and wearing fluffy pjs. Taking one day at a time as anything else just feels too overwhelming at the moment.

I get my DH to convert covid numbers into % of the actual population.

It makes the number of people infected and the chance of catching it feel much less scary.

I take citalopram and can definitely feel my mental health sliding.

I have been decluttering and tidying in preparation for another potential lockdown. Getting the kids desk etc ready for any home learning that we may need to do.

Have turned the radio off and instead listening to lovely music.

Trying not to think about not seeing my parents at Christmas.

I do think I need to get outside more and schedule in some exercise too. I have 3 kids so will get them involved in this too.

Being outside for at least a couple of hours each day, preferably either in the garden, or walking in the countryside or at the beach. Looking after myself properly too.

I'm not. It's slipping back to how it was last year. I was just, finally, getting better, and now this. Difference is since last year I've become CEV, and DD has started work as a teacher, so the fear is even greater. And the prospect of lockdown and shielding is making it even worse. I was in crisis last year and I'm heading there again. DH is too.

Hard to believe that just three or four weeks ago I was genuinely excited for Christmas. Now it's like a black blanket has settled over everything. Again.

I remember last year sitting in my car and crying when we entered tier 4 after being in tier two a few days earlier.
Feeling better this year as I and more importantly DH has been vaccinated.
Keeping my MH in check by swimming and walking mainly and music.
Tbh would feel better still if I avoided Mumsnet and Facebook as they can be very toxic.

I’m trying to keep to a routine, get out of the house every day and do something small every day that brings me happiness. It’s really tough. I keep reminding myself that I’ve got through this before and I can do it again. Day by day is how I cope. I try not to think too far ahead.

I feel better this year than last. Less anxious about actually suffering bad effects if I caught covid and almost sort of an adjustment, which I guess is sad in itself but half of the problem is just not knowing what is going to happen.

I’m going to eat relatively well and exercise as that’s always my go too.

Take my citalopram as soon as I wake up, walk in to work, take a walk at lunchtime because I'm working very long hours right now, keeping on top of mess in the house. If I don't do all of this then it's a slippery slope for me.

Great thread, OP. I am trying to stick to my one walk per day routine, as well as do something creative (piano or knitting) at least a few times a week. Am drinking water and cutting down on alcohol. Also phone calls with family or friends even if Christmas events are being cancelled.

Trying to relish my small pleasures too: a croissant and a coffee while reading; wearing perfume every day; delicious cake from the local bakery; taking care wrapping people's presents so they look beautiful.

Knitting/sewing/cross stitch. Meeting a friend for a walk or a run. Doing puzzles (I belatedly discovered all the free puzzle apps on my phone). Listening to nice music instead of the news (either BBC 6 music or classic FM)

Making sure I go outside in daylight every day. Getting my garden ready to be full of flowers in the spring. Doing small volunteer tasks but making sure this doesn't swell into a load of unpaid obligations. Appreciating going into work and interacting with colleagues and service users.

Struggling this time to be honest, i hate the uncertainty.
I've got some knitting on the go, and a couple of books from the library. I go for walks when i can but am unable to run any more due to hip problems. I cycle to work, and in the summer i go for longer rides in the evenings but dont like doing this in the dark.
It's great to have DD1 home from uni for christmas, Im really hoping she will be able to go back next term, and that DD2 will be able to do her A levels.

@StarCat2020

I would be fine but my GP isn't issuing my ADHD medications or ADs when I order them online and can't offer me a telephone apppointment until mid January.

This isn’t acceptable, you can’t go cold turkey like that. Either they need to reissue the script, or if a review is needed they have to find time for that, even if it’s a 5 min telephone consultation.

If the receptionist isn’t getting it, request a call with the practice manager. That should sort it out, but if not phone 111 and explain. A doctor will call you back and arrange for an emergency prescription.

Exercise and making sure I leave the house at least once a day.

to all.