Let’s be real, life can be hard. We all go through hardship and traumas; some just cut deeper than others. We often brush them aside or bury them deep below the surface. Either we’re too busy, or we tell ourselves it will just go away. Out of sight, out of mind… or so we think.
Sometimes, we don’t even realise we’re doing it.However, no matter what the size, it needs to be acknowledged and addressed, not patched up or brushed under the rug. If not, before we know it, the emotions are no longer in your control and it starts to have a physical affect.
Think of your problem like a hole in the roof
If you noticed there was a hole in the roof, you may get away with it while the weather is good. You know at some point, you’re going to need to get it repaired. But you keep putting it off and spend time and money on things that may make the house look nicer but don’t necessarily have a functional purpose. The longer you leave it, the bigger the problem gets. Birds start building nest’s in the roof, the warm days and cool nights create moisture where there shouldn’t be, and that tiny hole slowly gets bigger and bigger.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a storm hits, the heavens open and water starts pouring into your home. Soon, it’s filling up at a rate you cannot control. Cracks start to appear in the walls and pieces of the ceiling start to come down. The structure has become compromised and you feel like everything’s falling down around you.
Now imagine that as soon as you see the hole, you have someone come round to look it. There’s going to be a cost, but it’s going to cost you a lot less in the long run.
Things you can do that don’t cost a thing
Whenever we think about working through things, we often think about going to see a therapist and let’s be honest, therapy isn’t cheap and sometimes there can be a long waiting time for the NHS. Please don’t let that put you off from going to see your doctor to get a referral!!! Just remember that even though there may be a wait, at least you are on the register and have started the process.
But while you’re waiting, there are other things you can do that won’t break the bank.
- Journaling
Writing down your thoughts is a great way to get everything out of your head. And if you are waiting for therapy, you can take that with you to your appointment and it gives you a starting point. It can help explain it a little bit better and gives you a timeline of what you’ve been going through and when.
If you’re not really sure how to journal, don’t spend lots of time thinking about it! There’s no right or wrong way of doing it so just starting writing and go with it. If there’s lots going on in my head, just write it as you think it.
- Books
Don’t spend lots of money buying books! They’re not cheap and you may find that you don’t connect to it so join your local library. You can usually join for free and try lots of different ones before you commit to buying. If you’ve got some spare time, take a coffee and spend some time there reading a chapter or two of a couple of books. Find which ones you connect to before you end up taking them home.
- Spend time in nature
Research has shown that Ecotherapy can help relieve mild to moderate depression. You don’t need to go for a big hike but just take yourself to the local park for a stroll or just sit on a bench, or even just take a seat in the garden. Providing your body with fresh oxygen makes all the difference.
- Exercise (mind and body)
Exercising isn’t about getting ‘summer body ready’. It helps to stimulate the brain and release the toxins from your system. When you get the body moving you release those endorphins which actually provides you with the energy to help you get all of those other tasks done. While it can energize you, it can also release any excess energy you have which will help you to concentrate and get a good nights rest.
And don’t forget to exercise your brain. It may not be a muscle but it still needs working. Pick yourself up a word search or sudoku book. You can usually pick them up for a few pounds for your local newsagents and it will probably last you a while. If you can’t afford that (every penny counts), there are free apps and websites you can use.
5. Talk about it
If you’re struggling, talk to someone. Family, friends, a teacher, a colleague, your doctor. You don’t have to go into detail but let them know you are struggling or that you’re working through things. They may not know how to help or what to say, and you might not know how they can either, but you don’t need to suffer in silence or by yourself. Remember that if things ever get too much, call 999 or 111.
People and places that can help
So what I’m saying is take action as soon as you can. Stressful day? Finish it with a walk. Can’t pay your debt? Contact the Money Advice Service before it builds up any more. Work getting too much? Speak to your Manager or HR and see if they can cut down the work load for a while.
Mind
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/
0300 123 3393
NHS
How to access mental health services – https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/nhs-voluntary-charity-services/nhs-services/how-to-access-mental-health-services/
Find mental health services in your area – https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Mental-health-information-and-support/LocationSearch/330
Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The Money Advice Service
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en
Remember that there’s no shame in struggling. Life can be bloody hard!!
Roisin McBride 
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