Monday the 10th of October, marks World Mental Health Day. The World Federation of Mental Health initiated World Mental Health Day to rekindle conversation and safe spaces around mental health and wellbeing.
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide and to mobilize efforts to support mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
In support of World Mental Health day, we’ve put together a list of five terms to help you navigate whatever it is you might be feeling right now or in the future.
Emotional Acknowledgement
This is the act of verbally recognising a person’s feelings. As well as forming stronger bonds, it can help people perceive you as trustworthy and reliable. Simply saying, “Hey, are you okay? You seem upset”, is a way you can show emotional acknowledgment.
Burnout
An overwhelming sense of exhaustion due to chronic stress. Characteristics of burnout include feelings of cynicism, detachment from surroundings and a sense of not being able to accomplish anything. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to burnout. Watch for tell-tale signs, prioritise sleep, and set and honour your boundaries. Saying yes too much is a common cause of burnout – if you’re sacrificing your wellbeing, don’t be afraid to say no.
Compersion
Feeling joy because of the happiness of another, i.e., second-hand joy. Compersion is sometimes considered the opposite of jealousy. Mental Health Day is also about celebrating the good emotions in life – compersion is one of the best in our books.
Cyberchondria
A habit of excessive and repetitive internet-symptom-checking behavior that leads to anxiety and distress. Due to the rising use of social media, cyberchondria is becoming more common. Many users have reported stress and anxious thoughts about checking the engagement of their social media posts. What can you do? Try limiting app notifications and setting a time limit. Even take a break by deleting the app – that way, it’ll be less tempting to check.
Emotional Regulation
Emotional Regulation is the ability to recognise, manage and respond to your emotions. Emotional regulatory processes may be automatic or controlled, conscious or unconscious. Someone with poor emotional regulation may notice their actions and behavioural patterns are always at the mercy of their emotions. For example, they struggle to control their temper and lash out when things go askew. Binge eating is also a sign of emotional dysregulation. People with high regulation tend to have the control to stop and assess the situation before they react. Ways to increase your emotional regulation include identifying triggers, practising methods to calm the nervous system and learning to sit with your emotions. Therapy is also another powerful option.
If you want to talk to someone about your mental health, there are many free services available to you:
- Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
- The Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
- Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat.
- The Lowdown – Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
- Alcohol Drug Helpline – Free call 0800 787 797
The Mental Health Foundation also provides plenty of information, tips, stories and resources on how to best look after your mental wellbeing.
