What did you find helpful/ unhelpful

[Cryingintherain99]

When struggling with mental health, was there anything in particular that you found helpful or unhelpful?
I've currently hit a really difficult time and trying to take things slowly.
Was there anything that anyone said to you that either really helped you get through the day, or made you feel a whole lot worse?
I've experienced both.

The only thing that helped me was making the effort to go out every day, even if it was just a 15 minute walk. It helped me sleep better too

Getting up by noon and washed and dressed every day. Whether I was going out or not, however little I feel like it.

Leave the house at least every other day. Even if it's just to buy a newspaper you aren't going to read.

Counselling. Every week. Even if I think it won't help and I can't be bothered.

My counsellor has been the biggest source of support for the last couple of years and I honestly don't think I'd be here without him.

I found it incredibly unhelpful when people told me to snap out of it and stop being ridiculous. Clearly not understanding that simply isn’t possible! Even worse was being told I’m selfish for finding life hard and getting upset about my own problems when I should be thinking about others not about myself. Worst of all, being told to get more exercise and eat healthy. I didn't have a problem with my physical health, that wasn’t going to fix my problems! I remember saying to the counsellor “going for a walk won’t fix anything, what I need is to be able to stop the bullying and get a new job”.