Every day is World Mental Health Day to me, remembering my own journey and now helping to support others daily through my therapeutic gardening programmes.
In these current times, more people than ever are feeling the effects of mental ill health. If you are noticing moments or long periods of anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. 1 in 8 children have a diagnosed mental health condition by the age of 14, and 1 in 4 adults will experience mental ill health of some kind in their lives.
Whether you felt you were struggling before or not, the last 7 months have been a mental roller coaster in itself. With ever changing rules, peoples’s different attitudes to distancing, family concerns, losses and work confusion, that none of us ever envisaged, it’s no wonder our minds are struggling to take on any more.
According to research carried by charity, Mind with over 16,000 people, we know that 60% of adults and 68% of young people said their mental health got worse during lockdown.
But, if we can get through each day and do what we can to look ourselves, then we are doing really well! I could list so many different activities that can help us take care of our minds and bodies, but I don’t want to overload you, so I will leave you with two suggestions to do today.
Plant a bulb!
Whether it is an allium, daffodil, tulip or another flowering bulb, it doesn’t matter. Choose one, slow down the pace and pop it in a container full of compost or directly in the ground.
Think about what the bulb needs in order to bloom next year and how your needs may be similar. (clues are at the bottom, in case it helps)
In times of darkness and worry, go back to your bulb and nature.
Check in on a friend
I would love you to take a few minutes today, to text or call a friend. If you can pop in on a friend safely, may be do that too.
It could be someone you haven’t spoken to in years or someone you speak to every few months. It could even be saying hi or smiling to a total stranger in the street.
A message, call or smile can be life changing, for them or you.
When you have done this, please if you are happy to do so, comment below or send me a message saying ‘I made a positive difference’.
Clues:
Nourishing food
Water
Warmth
Fresh air
Patience
Love
Support
Time
Safe environment to get cosy and make home without disruptions.
Space to stretch and grow
Plus….You are both full of incredible potential!