Like the proverbial frog in a pot of hot water, the frenetic pace of life can creep up on us until, before we’re aware, the intensity of issues and associated stressors reach a boiling point.
You know the frog in the pot of water fable, right? The one where there’s a frog in a pot of cool water and the heat is turned up, degree by degree, until the water boils. But the frog doesn’t jump out of the pot because the temperature increase is so incrementally small that by the time the frog realizes the water is boiling, it’s too late to jump.
The slow boil until the point of overflow is a sentiment I hear from many sectors right now. From medical and social care clinicians to supermarket clerks. From parents balancing work and childcare responsibilities to caregivers and care partners for older adults and persons with disabilities. People are struggling with the stress and mental strain of overflowing responsibilities and external and internal pressures.
Even if life is full of wonderful, challenging, and impactful stuff, it can be overwhelming, nonetheless.
Ours is a multi-generational household. From two-year-old, Luna, to her eighty-four-year-old great-great-grandmother. With three additional adults from their 20s to 60s, all with full-time jobs, and community volunteer commitments, the generational spread is wide and wonderful – and the pace is at times, frenetic. The pressures can stack up.
I am normally an even-keeled, and highly optimistic person. When my nieces aren’t calling me Princess Christine (that’s another story), they often call me Pollyanna due to my propensity to exude a positive perspective no matter what challenges come my way. But even Pollyanna can get pulled down.
It is within that context that I’m reminded May is mental health awareness month.
Millions of people are affected by mental health issues each year. Across the country, many people just like you work, perform, serve, create, compete, love, and inspire every day – and struggle with mental health and wellbeing.
According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), one in five people will experience some sort of mental health issue over the course of their lifetime. Even if you don’t experience a significant mental health issue, you will still likely face challenges that impact your mental health and wellbeing.
Your mental health matters. It is just as important as physical health. Good mental health helps you cope with stress and can improve your quality of life. Mental health also plays a key role in your overall physical health. Mental health can impact preventable diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease and other chronic conditions. Just like with physical health, improving mental health begins with prevention and taking action.
If you struggle with mental wellness, a great place to start is by talking with your doctor. You can also get tips and resources from NIMH to help take care of your mental health at nimh.nih.gov/health.
Here’s a few tips to get your started:
― Exercise: Making exercise a part of your regular routine can help support mental wellness. Even taking a short walk can reduce stress and increase alertness, boost your energy level, increase concentration, and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
― Sleep Well: Getting sufficient sleep on a regular basis can improve your attention, memory and learning, and your overall mental and physical health.
― Connect with Others: While connecting virtually is often convenient, be sure to make time for in-person connection as well. Friends, family, even a casual friendly hello to a stranger can boost positive feelings and help ward off depression and reduce anxiety.
― Be present: Spending too much time problem-solving, worrying, or thinking negative thoughts can lead to stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Practicing mindfulness exercises can help you direct your attention away from negative thinking and ground you in the present. Headspace.com is a great resource for mindfulness exercises.
― Take a pause: The power of taking a pause is well researched. Taking time to just be still and quiet gives your nervous system a chance to regain balance. Not only does pausing promote relaxation, a break from noise and “doing” can refresh and reenergize you for hours. If you are a caregiver to an older adult, consider calling the Info-Line for Aging and Disability at (800) 654-2810 and ask about respite services to give you a break from your caregiving duties.
Mental health is health, and we need to treat it that way. Don’t wait until the pressures of life reach a boiling point before taking action. Mental Health Awareness month is a great time to reprioritize self-care, healing, and emotional wellness.