How are you? CUPPA TEA PERHAPS?
Maybe invite a friend or a neighbour in for a hot cuppa, or cold drink depending on the weather...or, if this makes more sense depending on your living situation, or pop outside to say hello to them and see what they have to say to 'How Have you Been?'.
So it is Mental Health Week this week in Australia and we are coming to the end of a period of intense lockdown (staying in houses only allowed out for four reasons - shopping, essential work, 1 hour exercise or caregiving) in Melbourne Australia and some other parts of the world are about to go into lockdown due to them moving into the Winter months.
So, it feels appropriate to discuss the fact that, whilst it could be worse than having to huddle inside with your family or housemates for weeks on end for some, others who live alone or in very small spaces or apartment buildings could very well be feeling down and out.
NOTE: I wrote the above when we were going through all of these conditions during the pandemic lockdowns which started in March 2020 and finished up in late 2022. We ran events and were heavily effected but thankfully got through it and cut down our expenses in a big way, but also got very busy creating something to support ALL people from ALL nations no matter what Country you reside in.
So, what do you say when someone shares that they are not doing so well in any area of life?
It is not easy to know what to do, to be completely honest with you and there are many factors to consider. I do say though again here, people know deep down if you are kind and have the right sort of intentions.
Here are some OTHER options that might work for you...
I have some from professional organizations below but I add this, maybe the best idea is to LISTEN & tell your own stories that are siilar and that they can learn from, and maybe apply to their own situation.
You can find a link to Beyond Blue website here where these are listed in basic point form.
I am ALSO giving you OUR version based on situations WE have found ourselves in. THESE WORK SO TUCK THEM AWAY IN YOUR TOOL BELT & TRY UTILISING THEM.
I'm sorry if I said something that upset you, maybe you can share why you feel this way so I can understand!
I’m here for you & will be even if you don't feel like chatting about it and just want to spend some quality time together.
I can see this is a really hard time for you, and we all have periods in our life like this, far out, I can tell you about when this happened to me, similar to your situation, which might make you feel better.....THEN SHARE YOUR STOREY....then make sure they know you are not judging them....
I’m not exactly sure what to do, but if you tell me some of it, I’m sure we can figure out a way forward together that might help...
OR perhaps if they are set on a course of action, maybe say "What can I do to help? Just tell me how and I will do what I can when I can find the time."
I know it doesn’t feel like it now but if you find a job, or a source of additional income, or perhaps you can maybe chat through it with the appropriate person and make it feel right again, without being defensive, and then things can feel alot better.
Have you thought about seeing your doctor for physical support or perhaps calling a goof friend
OR if you can't do that, maybe call an organisation with trained professionals like psychologists, even Headspace or Beyond Blue? There is support available.
This conversation is just between you and me.
Can we start again today on a better note perhaps?
I have noticed you seem happier which is really great. Maybe we can do something fun together over the next week or so, maybe even right now! Do you feel like doing something together, like maybe taking a walk or playing a game, to help take your mind off things?
These are statements in a conversation which help someone to feel listened to, understood, and feeling that things can improve, which they can.
It’s best not to talk about how they’re feeling all the time. Doing an activity you both enjoy can help people with anxious feelings or those feeling 'down'. Being creative, ding things like drawing or painting can really help also.
Exercise like going for a walk, anything that gets more oxygen in your body will help you feel better.
It is hard to feel good when stuck in your home or the one place all of the time, but maybe some little activities like cooking, stretching, being creative etc. could really help.
Just being you and letting them know that you will be there for them no matter what, and that you accept them no matter what is definitely helpful.
Jim Carey said this and it's something to keep in mind...
You don't have to be in fight and flight mode though, you can just be yourself and state your truth! But human interaction, and being a part of a community is imperative.
We can also learn a lot from incredible films if we choose to delve into the plots and characters, to help us make good decisions. Actors are brave and delve into areas we struggle with on purpose. Hence the quote from Jim Carey above.
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