Ways to Improve your Mental Health

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!!

Unprecedented times like these take a toll on everybody’s mental health. We’re all humans and it’s okay to acknowledge when we’re struggling. COVID-19 has sowed the seeds of fear in our minds. I believe that fear instigates the domino effect of deteriorating mental health. It is the first step which begins the vicious cycle of stress, anxiety and depression. The uncertainty of the future intermingled with the illuminating sense of fear forces us to focus on the negatives rather than being optimistic. There could be fear in your minds about losing your loved ones, your dream job (especially the class of 2020), your house, your university life beginning online, not seeing your friends regularly, distancing out with your partners etc. This starts the spiral of cynical thoughts and overthinking only makes matters worse.

It’s completely normal if you don’t want to get out of bed or meet/talk to people once in a while, but if you feel there’s darkness around you because of your thoughts then it’s important to open up. Bottling up your emotions especially of stress, anger, anxiety, insecurity etc. is never good. Overthinking eats you up, whether you realize it or not. If you’ve been over-stressing and over-thinking try to unwind and relax. Some de-stressing techniques include: reading a book, writing your thoughts down, meditation, exercising, pampering yourself, eating (guilt-free), taking a warm bath/shower, colouring, amongst other things. Do what you feel will give you the most satisfaction.

However, if you feel these thoughts are not going away and you feel your thoughts are working against you, don’t be afraid to reach out to a psychologist. I promise they aren’t scary and all they want to do is help you via therapy. They won’t put you on drugs and none of their methods would tamper with the chemical balance of your brain. Remember Shahrukh Khan’s portrayal as Dr. Jahangir Khan in “Dear Zindagi”? The movie beautifully portrays the idea of psychotherapy and instils comfort in the idea of talking to a therapist. The unconventionally subtle methods used to comfort Alia Bhatt’s character who is struggling with depression, insomnia and abandonment issues is a mere example of how psychologists help you be yourself, advise you on how to confront your problems and give you ways to overcome your fears. I’m confident because my mother is a practicing psychologist in Delhi NCR, India. You could have a look at her website: http://drpriyankasrivastava.com/ and book an appointment if you feel the need of reaching out to someone in this field. Of course, you can look up other psychologists! Do what makes you comfortable and happy!

To end on a positive note, I want to reiterate this quote that keeps me going; “there is a rainbow after the rain falls”. Rain brings growth and beauty, helping trees grow and flowers bloom. It is suggestive of the fact that every time you feel sad and dark, remember that there will be light and happiness. Learn from the lessons and find strength and positivity within yourself by taking one day at a time.