What I've learnt from my mental health this past year...

I think it's safe to say that the past year (and a bit) of COVID and lockdowns has presented some challenges, for everyone, to say the least. I've learnt a lot and even though some of it difficult to accept, this strange and unique period has massively helped me self-reflect.

Before the pandemic I was already attempting to understand my own personal mental health, however, I got frustrated about how I could change myself, with thoughts ruminating around: "what is wrong with me?".

Now, I am grateful to understand myself a whole lot deeper- including my specific symptoms, triggers and just generally looking at my mental well-being with a different perspective (curious and non-judgemental, that is)...

I now realise that to overcome it, you have to go through it; "You grow through what you go through". So here's what I've learnt:

• Validate & allow yourself to feel your emotions- but don't let them consume you (suppressing does this too by invalidating yourself). How are you supposed to get over something if you don't even acknowledge how you truly feel? Then approach that with a willingness to learn more about why and where certain feelings might stem from.
  

• Whenever you feel like you're getting bad again, or slipping back into your 'old ways', is when you need to challenge yourself the most. And a 'challenge' is all relative to each individual btw- what may be considered an easy task to one person, may be out of someone else's comfort zone. However, what I've realised is that in order to grow you must do things that scare you once in a while (take it easy though, go at a pace that you are okay with). If you're scared to do something- do it scared. Consistency builds confidence.
  

• You might not see it at the time but you can learn something from every challenge (even if it isn't positive). Shit does indeed happen and sometimes the reason(s) why it did may not be clear at first but if you take away anything from a situation, let it be that you learnt who you are and what you are about.
  

• Make the most of the good days & don't let the apprehension of the bad ones stop you from having fun and enjoying life. You can live in the past or worry excessively about the future but make sure you learn how to be present and live in the moment. Even though you may have the mindset "what goes up must come down", by being grateful for what you have currently and excited for where you're heading, serves as a reminder that it is all about the process.
  

• There's (absolutely) nothing wrong with showing all sides of you- you don't need to be a filtered version of yourself to be accepted. If you've come from past experiences that have made you hide parts of yourself it can be difficult to let your guard down. But I've learnt to embrace my individuality and accepted it's okay not to be okay. I respect myself a far lot more now to show up as I am and to not waste energy pretending to be 'fine' anymore. People who love you will accept all sides of you.
  

• Trust your gut- your intuition & opinion is valid. When you struggle with your mental health it can be a challenge to determine what is reality and what it coming from a lens of insecurity (or familiarity from past experiences). However, I am learning to trust myself more and looking at things with a logical angle- without totally disregarding how I feel. You've just gotta do what's best and feels good to you.
  

• Everything takes time and your journey is no less (or more) important than anyone else's (all are unique and we don't have the same milestones/timelines). Progress looks different on everyone- especially as you may not always be able to see it. We never truly know what's going on deep down, so while social media encourages us to compare, it's important to be kind to ourselves and others (even if you don't share the same destination).
  

• Not everyone may understand you- or your perspective- but don't let that make you compromise on your values and morals. Once you identify what is important to you, furthermore what standards and boundaries you stand for, you will find yourself not settling for anything less. It's not always a good idea to have high expectations for others or situations but with yourself this is a good thing! Stand for what you think is right, even if you are alone. Again, you do you.
  

• Most importantly... you are stronger than you think!! You made it this far and you have overcome all the challenges you've had up to now. Trust that you are strong enough to move through whatever difficulties you may face again, as they have built you up to be the person that you are today.

YOU are, ultimately, the only person who can help and change yourself. But, please, always remember you are never (completely) alone and know that asking for help is a sign of strength.

* Side note: everyone's mental health looks different btw. Just like with training, one solution isn't one size fits all; characteristics, copying mechanisms and progress are all so individual to each person!! Find what works best for you :) *