Sam Cleasby, Senior Community Office at disability charity Scope has collated a variety of tips from Scope’s online community, which may be useful in nurturing positive mental habits. The full article is here
Spending time with people with similar interests and experiences can provide much needed support. Try looking for groups in your local area using a website such as Meetup.com, or search online for disability-related or other groups close to you.
If you have difficulties leaving the house or socialising, try spending time in online communities with like-minded people, such as Scope’s online community.
- Sometimes we become so wrapped up in our negative thoughts we lose the ability to see rationally. It can be very useful to take a step back and look
at the situation from a different viewpoint. One community member recalls: “I kept having panic attacks, and its only in the last couple of years
that they stopped. 25 years of anxiety and then someone said to me ‘what is the worst that could happen?’, and that suddenly helped me so much.”
- If you’re not able to resolve a stressful situation, another way of reducing its negative effects upon your mental health is to try to accept it as
it is. By accepting a situation, you can end the turmoil between your mind and the reality that faces you, reducing the stress and anguish it causes.
- Often, people judge themselves more harshly than they would others. It can be easy to criticise yourself when things don’t go to plan, but if you find
yourself doing this, ask yourself if you would speak to a friend in the same way. Remind yourself that you are only human and allowed to make errors.
This is known as self-compassion.
- Meditation is a focus on the present moment, without judgement or reaction.It can allow the mind to release those worrying thoughts that trigger the
stress response, and by promoting a calmer state of mind. You can find a short introduction on meditation and how to meditate here.
- Focusing on something that you enjoy and find engaging, whether by listening, looking or reading, can be a great stress reliever and can help lift
your mind from your worries.
- Some people find interacting with animals very therapeutic. Even if you don’t have a pet such as cat or a dog, you might try visiting a local wildlife
sanctuary or similar destination. Animals can also be very soothing for children with mental health issues.
To find out more about Scope’s on-line community visit www.scope.org.uk/community for
the community.
Please be aware that nothing presented here should be viewed as professional advice or guidance.
