Imper

When Your Mental Health Takes a Turn: Finding Help Without the Overwhelm

I remember the day my mental health took a turn. It was like a sudden, unexpected wave crashing over me, pulling me under and making it hard to breathe. The last thing I wanted to do was sift through endless online articles or read pamphlets filled with medical jargon. I needed help, but I needed it in a way that didn’t add to my already overwhelming state.

Here’s what I did, and I hope it helps you too.

Reach Out to Someone You Trust

The first step I took was reaching out to someone I trusted. For me, it was a close friend who had always been supportive and understanding. I didn’t need to explain everything in detail; just letting someone know that I was struggling was a huge relief. They didn’t try to fix everything for me, but their presence and willingness to listen without judgment made a world of difference.

Visit Your Primary Care Doctor

If the thought of researching specialists or therapists feels too daunting, start with your primary care doctor. I made an appointment with mine and simply told them that I was not feeling mentally well. They were able to provide initial support and refer me to a mental health professional. Sometimes, having that direct, human connection can be more reassuring than navigating through countless online resources.

Keep It Simple

When I was at my lowest, even the smallest tasks felt monumental. Instead of overwhelming myself with grand plans to get better, I focused on very simple actions. This could be something as basic as taking a shower, eating a healthy meal, or going for a short walk. These small steps helped me build a foundation to gradually tackle larger challenges.

Utilise Crisis Resources

In moments of acute distress, I found that crisis resources were invaluable. Hotlines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or texting “HELLO” to 741741 connected me to trained professionals who could help immediately. These services are available 24/7, and sometimes, just having someone to talk to in those critical moments can make all the difference.

Journaling Your Feelings

I started keeping a journal where I could freely express my thoughts and emotions. Writing things down helped me process what I was going through without the pressure of having to articulate it perfectly to someone else. It also served as a way to track my progress and recognise patterns in my mental health.

Prioritise Self-Care

I realised that taking care of my mental health required me to prioritise self-care in a way I hadn’t before. This meant setting boundaries, saying no when I needed to, and engaging in activities that brought me peace. Whether it was reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or spending time in nature, these self-care practices became essential in my journey towards healing.

Seek Professional Help When Ready

When I felt a bit more stable, I did eventually seek professional help. This step was crucial for my long-term well-being. Therapy provided me with tools and strategies to manage my mental health more effectively. If this step feels overwhelming, remember that there are various types of therapy and therapists; finding the right fit can take time, but it’s worth it.

Be Kind to Yourself

Most importantly, I learned to be kind to myself. Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness, and it’s okay to have bad days. Progress is not always linear, and setbacks are part of the journey. Acknowledging this and giving myself grace was vital in my healing process.

If your mental health takes a turn, know that you are not alone. Start with simple, manageable steps and reach out to those you trust. Utilise available resources and take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time. Your mental health matters, and there is support out there for you.

British Recording Artist Jamelia gets behind the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign's Global Efforts.

'I think being Imperfectly Perfect is beautiful. Allowing everyone around you to be honest. We are all weird. We are all a bit quirky and that's beautiful. L...

‘I think being Imperfectly Perfect is beautiful. Allowing everyone around you to be honest. We are all weird. We are all a bit quirky and that’s beautiful. Let’s celebrate that. Go out into the world and be exactly who you are. Dr Seuss said; ‘Those who matter, don’t mind and those who mind, don’t matter’and that’s exactly how I want my children and myself. The best thing we can do now is to pass these messages or these lessons on to our children and from the jump, you be exactly who you are. Are you honest? Are you allowing yourself to be honest? - Jamelia

A huge thank you to Britian’s very own singer-songwriter Jamelia for getting behind the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign’s Global Efforts in changing the culture and narrative around Mental Health.

Jamelia is not only an incredible advocate for people speaking up but somebody who has sold millions of albums and scored number one’s all over the world. She has won multiple awards including 4 Mobo’s a Q award and an Ivor Novello. She’s appeared on programmes on every major UK TV channel and hit the screens on countless movies both in front and her music as soundtracks and tv screens.

So we are truly grateful for her taking the time out of her schedule to get behind our efforts and share her story on the ImperfectlyPerfect Podcast.

Releasing this week, be sure to head to Spotify or IHeartRadio to subscribe and keep notified when the episode drops.

https://open.spotify.com/show/6l9Fggt...

Les Mills International Program Directors Get Behind the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign's Global Efforts.

They are the worlds biggest names in Fitness with Les Mills International and we are so grateful for all of the Programme Directors sharing their support in ...

They are the worlds biggest names in Fitness with Les Mills International and we are so grateful for all of the Programme Directors sharing their support in our global efforts towards changing the narrative around Mental Health.

If you haven’t already be sure to keep up to date on the new live digi series with founder of IPC Glenn Marsden and Rachael Newsham via our YouTube channel launching very soon.

Simply subscribe to keep notified on all of our live shows coming up and guests.

https://www.youtube.com/c/Imperfectly...

You also have the opportunity to listen to ImperfectlyPerfect Podcast with Rachael as a co-host, which you can find via Spotify or IHEARTRadio for all of our latest episodeS featuring the highly acclaimed faces behind the campaign, influencers, experts and people who have been through extreme adversity sharing their stories. Click the link below to November and December’s episodes which we have coming coming up. https://mailchi.mp/fe561d676ad8/have-...