#minimeltdowns
Hello all you lovely mummies and daddies, I’ve been out of blog writing action for a while – I’ve not been too well. I’m back to fighting fit (ish) considering I have a 21-month-old going on 21-year-old.
#minimeltdowns is hugely important to me, as is the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new mums and dads.
I recently came across something called Mental Health First Aid. Who would think this is actually a thing? It is, and it is fantastic.
I came across this course through work and it’s essentially how to identify and help people who suffer with mental ill health. It’s really good for understanding how we can help ourselves, our friends, our family and our work colleagues who may struggle. I thought I’d share some of the messages that have stayed with me.
- Think of Mental Health First Aid as the same as Physical First Aid. If you find yourself in a situation with someone who is suffering, the following is a simple action plan you can follow to help them (excuse the acronym!):A – approach (think about when/how to open the conversation)
L – listen and communicate non-judgementally
G – give support and information
E – encourage support from friends and family, self-help strategies etc.
E – evaluate whether the person should seek professional help - The Black Dog – a powerful way of helping both you and others understand what it is like to experience depression. Take a look at this WHO (World Health Organisation) video:
- Whilst medication helps in one’s journey to recovery, taking control of your own recovery plan and making positive changes when you are able is incredibly helpful…
Source: www.actionforhappiness.org
- There’s a simple exercise to try… it can help you assess what the key stressors in your life are – The Stress Container. It does not mean you suffer mental ill health, it’s just life can be a bit stressful. Take a little time to look at the following video:
Source: MHFA England
Take a sheet of A4 paper and draw a blank “stress container” (upside down triangle in plain English). Now empty everything that is in your head concerning work and home life into your container. Then ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have any evidence to support your feelings about the stressors in your container? If so, what?
- What can you change?
- What can’t you change and need to accept?
- What needs your urgent attention?
- Can anyone help you?
- What are some of your unhelpful coping strategies?
- What are some of your helpful coping strategies?
The ALGEE (!!!!) has stayed with me… it’s important and a very sensible way to think about things.
Let me leave you all with a thought… why is mental ill health not always understood or classified as seriously as physical ill health?
Previous #minimeltdowns blogs….
Minimeltdowns – It’s been a while…and what a while it’s been!
Minimeltdowns – Help me…I’m going back to work
Minimeltdowns – D and V and all things nice
Minimeltdowns – Guilt, guilt, guilt!
Minimeltdowns – Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Pre and Post Baby: A Closer Look
Minimeltdowns – Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Pre and Post Baby: An Introduction
