Hello there, HUMAN!
We are grateful for this Mental Health blog. One of the reasons is – it is helping us be consistent with our writing practice. We know the power of writing, releasing our thoughts on paper, or typing it all down. Another is the feedback from our friends and family, including suggestions on what topics to cover next.
With that being said, one of our readers suggested touching base on how we get through those Depressive episodes. Before we dive deeper into our Check-In process. Below you will find some resources; feel free to screenshot-crop-share in order to expand the reach and help someone in need. <3
Suicide Prevention Month: Resources
If you or someone you know is having a crisis:
- Call or Text: 988
- Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Chat: 988lifeline.org
By using one of the above resources, you are ensured to reach a trained counselor who provides a safe place for everyone regardless of severity.
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times,
if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
– Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Mental Health Check-In
Life has many moving parts, and it is very easy to get lost in the tidal waves. This is why Mental Health Checks are very important. Think about your car – for every 3,000 miles, it needs an oil change. Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to get yearly inspections in order to be legal on the road.
We get eye, dental, and physical exams yearly (if you are lucky enough to have insurance in America) because we want to be proactive in case any changes cause concern. Therefore, keeping an updated history will better help if any situation arises.
Mental Health is no different because we may be feeling one way today and another the next. We also may develop patterns or symptoms which influence our daily lives. That’s why it’s important to have a therapist or check in with yourself regularly in order to determine what your following steps will be.
Mental Health CheckPoint
When it comes to conducting a Mental Health check, there are a few things we like to keep in mind – direct questions, reasonable exceptions, and honest answers. Over time you will find what questions work best for you. As well as what method works best for you; do you prefer handwriting, typing, or just in your head. Below you’ll find our go-to questions in order to see where we are and if we need to take action.
- How am I feeling? (Mentally and Emotionally)
- How is my body feeling?
- When was the last time I ate?
- Have I been drinking enough water today?
- How much have I been sleeping lately?
- What kind of thoughts do I have?
- Have I moved my body today?
- Have I connected with someone today?
You now understand how you can tinker with these questions to best fit your needs. Often times our mental health is directly linked to how we treat our bodies. The only way to determine that is by checking in regularly.
Okay, Now What?
Remember that our check-in needs to have direct questions, reasonable expectations, and honest answers. Because if you are missing any of those three, then your check-in is no longer useful. If you notice the questions above, they are straight to the point, and they call for a yes or no/rating. The reasoning is that if you are having a crisis, you are less likely to do it if it’s too difficult.
You must be reasonable with your expectations because life happens. Maybe you have the flu, so you haven’t moved today; you’ll need to remind yourself that it is okay to rest. This leads to honesty; it’s simple if you’re going to lie, there’s no point in asking.
Now, you reflect on what are your daily needs to keep yourself feeling like yourself (to say the least). Use the questions above as a guide and create your own set of 5-10 quick questions.
Once you complete the check-in, be honest with yourself about what needs your immediate attention. Then try to correct that or reach out to someone who may be able to help you. If you are unsure, reach out to the many resources (hint: at the top of the blog)available no matter the severity.
Stay tuned for next week’s post for Part Three of Four of our Suicide Prevention Month Edition where we dive deep into the After Care.
Stay weird and share with a friend to expand our reach.
Leave a comment with suggestions on areas you want us to touch base on.
We appreciate any feedback. <3
*Disclaimer: We are not Licensed, Professionals. We are speaking based on our personal experience with Mental Health. We do not provide Medical Advice. Always consult with a mental health professional or other health care provider with any questions you may have regarding topics you have read about on this website.