It’s mental health awareness month and that is a topic that I would like to talk more openly about on my blog. I can’t stress enough how important it is to value your mental health as much as you do for physical health. It’s not okay to brush these issues aside and I think we could all benefit on knowing how to help someone who may be going through a rough time, being stressed and feeling like they have to bottle up their emotions. We all need to reassure our loved ones or, heck, even if we see a stranger who looks like they may be going through an anxiety attack that whatever they’re going through is okay and that they will get through this. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind or caring. Knowing what to do in situations to do with mental health has so many benefits. It helps when we know we can help someone or when someone can know that they can come to us whenever they’re feeling low. Sure it may not be our responsibility to deal with someone else’s problem, really that can only be done with people who suffer from anxiety, but we can be their rock, be their shoulder to lean on, be a comfort blanket when things get rough.

1.Be There

Reassure them that you’re there for them and you are not going to leave. Keep telling them that there is nothing to be afraid and that they are safe. Reminding them that it’s temporary and that it will soon be over could comfort them.

2.Listen

Whether they share a lot of information or a little, don’t pressure them. Opening up may be hard for them so don’t grill them for answers they aren’t comfortable sharing. It takes courage to open up about our problems, trust me I know, bottling it all up seems like the easier option but it isn’t.

3.Focus

If you’re experiencing an anxiety attack and unfortunately there is no one available, take notice of the details around you. Look at an object and notice all the details. Distract yourself and focus your energy on to something else entirely in hopes that you forget your moment of distress.

4.Breathe

Probably the most basic, cliché tip but it works. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for a second and exhale for a count of four and hold for a second. Having lavender oil could help too; breathing in the scent has been proven to be soothing.

I just want to say that I have done my research about this topic and that these have been proven to help people.

I hoped reading this post has benefited you in any way or you’ve just enjoyed reading that there are people out there who genuinely care and what to be there for you.

I know that I have been in countless of situations where someone is panicking and I just feel helpless. I don’t know what works, I don’t know what I can do to help and I don’t even know if they want my help. But I just think knowing you have people to fall back on, is such a good feeling. Carrying all of your baggage can eventually catch up and when it does, there will always be people here to help. Whether it is a helpline or loved ones, you are never alone.

Let me know your thoughts on this topic too! I’d love to have a discussion!