Mental health struggles can be a difficult and isolating experience. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world experience mental health problems every year, there is always help available.
If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, you may be wondering what happens next. Here’s a look at some of the things you can expect:
- You may feel a range of emotions. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions after going through a period of mental health struggles. You may feel relief, sadness, anger, or confusion. I call this the ‘foggy’ stage, as you are never sure of what you want, need or are feeling. It’s important to allow yourself time to feel out these emotions and to process them in a healthy way.
- You may need to make some changes in your life. Once you’re starting to feel better, you may need to make some changes in your life to support your mental health. This could involve things like getting more sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and spending time with loved ones. They may not need to be permanent, I did 6 months in the gym and have not been back since, but if I feel a slide back down, I’ll be back.
- You may need to continue treatment. Even after you start to feel better, it could be important to continue treatment for your mental health condition. This could involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Never make rash decisions, sit with the thoughts and talk it over with people before you make a change.
- You may experience setbacks. It’s important to remember that recovery from mental health problems is not always straightforward. You will probably experience setbacks along the way. This is completely normal, our brains are not wired the same way and sometimes it takes a few attempts to get it right. Just pick yourself up, and always keep moving forward.
- You can get better. With the right treatment and support, you can recover from mental health problems and live a full and healthy life. Hopefully you will know a bit more about your triggers and can manage exposure better. But if further mental health issues come up, remember don’t worry or panic, you have done it before – so you can do it again, return to point 1.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, please know that you’re not alone. There is always help available. Please reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member for support. Ask them to SLAP you (Stability, Listen, Adjust, Patience).
Here are some additional info that may be helpful:
Samaritans: 116 123 (free from any phone)
Mind: 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary considerably)
Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 (free 24/7)
CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (free 5pm-midnight every day)
Anxiety UK: 03444 775 774
Rethink Mental Illness: 0300 5000 927 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary considerably)
Childline: 0800 1111 (free 24/7)
NHS Mental Health: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/