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People Share 30 Changes They Made And Things They Did That Greatly Improved Their Mental Health
According to WHO data, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25% in the first year of the pandemic.
While we've learned to fight Covid much more effectively, other collective challenges like the war in Ukraine and looming economic uncertainty aren't making things easier.
Now, about 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder, which causes disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, and behavior.
We have to fight. And this viral Reddit thread is a great reminder that everything starts with healthy habits. It asked the platform's users, "What is something that drastically improved your mental health?" Here's what they wrote.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Boundaries and living alone.
Also…ANIMALS. Cannot say it enough, my dog is my savior.
Ban-One 3 years ago
Upvote for dogs! Can't imagine anymore NOT having one. Besides my wife my best friend.
Joey Marlin 3 years ago
I have had dogs for years, have two right now. I love that they give you a reason to leave the house - fresh air and exercise is so important for our well-being. Not to mention the love and companionship we get from them.
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Dizzie D 3 years ago
As long as you are an animal / dog lover, you should always have them in your life. It works both ways, they need you to take care of them and love them and they will do the same ten fold, no questions asked . I liken dogs to the nearest thing to angels from heaven. I'm not religious at all but if angels really existed, they would have waggy tails and wet noses.
LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago (edited)
Recently put up boundaries with family. It's actually exhausting because all it's done is cause more drama since they're not capable of finding fault in themselves. So I'm taking it a step further, I'm making plans to move next year and that'll be it. I'd rather be alone and in control of my own life. And I can't imagine life without my dog. She's my best friend. My constant companion and the only one I've found who loves me for who I am.
WonderWoman 3 years ago
My cat did that for me. Sadly, he unexpectedly died Saturday. I am so sad and alone right now.
Damon 3 years ago
Yes, live alone and get lots of cats. Great fit mental health. Having said that, dogs make everything better
3 Owls In A Coat 3 years ago
Dogs AND cats are amazing! As a former dog person (grew up fostering for SPCA and helping parents train dogs) - just got my first cats almost a year ago and they’ve really helped my anxiety and depression :) they’re both such amazing kinds of animals and we don’t deserve them 🧡
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DrBronxx 3 years ago
I've always wanted a dog. However, if I have a dog and it ends up being my saviour, I'm worried about how I'll be when it's time to put it to sleep.
Laugh Fan 3 years ago
Think of it this way - that dog will exist anyway and so might as well be with you and having a fabulous life. Their life will come to an end whether you knew them or not. Yet having someone that loves them and will make the right decision for them at the end is just as important as all the fun times you would have together. Yes, it hurts but I'd never choose to have been without the love and life enrichment that they brought, not in a million years. If you can give all that back to them - how wonderful is that?
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#2
Deleting my Facebook account
Helen Waight 3 years ago
I keep mine but it’s really curated, I am only friends with people who I trust and like and basically I just post pictures of my cat.
Stevo 3 years ago
I wish I could, but I would lose touch with 99% of friends and family who only use it.
stijn maertens 3 years ago
That's what you tell yourself Stevo. You really don't need (or have) 100+ friends. The ones that matter, aren't the ones you'll lose just because of a f* app. That app is really very toxic.
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James016 3 years ago
I have Facebook for a couple of local groups and that's it. I don't follow anything or anyone on there and only my wife is a Facebook friend
Matt Rustebakke 3 years ago
I am doing the same. I get good deals from marketplace and local community group is also useful. I follow 2 friends but about to unfollow everyone. Its a huge waste of time
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David Brown 3 years ago
Normal people would have been arrested for what facebook had done. It's ruined more marriages, friendships, and lives than anything else that comes to mind other than drugs. The world would be better off without that worthless garbage.
LillieMean 3 years ago
I shut down one of my social media accounts recently because the community got really toxic. I feel happier now, although leaving the community also causes sadness. however, it helps when you remember your own right to happiness.
Mistiekim 3 years ago
I have an account, mostly because of those businesses that use a Facebook page as their “website” which drives me nuts. My other social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram) are basically the same - I had a specific reason, but now they are all collecting dust and spiderwebs.
Martin Blaney 3 years ago
Yes, a DAMNED Facebook account is not a FK website....idiots.
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Curtis Dahl 3 years ago
Fakebook free since 2014, no better feeling than saying "I don't care" when someone brings up Fakebook drama
Natassja Moore 3 years ago
Haven't had a Facebook in almost 6 years. Don't regret not having one, at all. Fake news, fake people, and drama. Not worth it.
Dr. Jodie Skillicorn, who is a holistic psychiatrist and strongly believes in the body's innate healing power, agrees that collective challenges affect everyone's state of mind. "Your mental health and well-being influence me and mine influence you," she told Bored Panda.
"We are social beings and connected in ways understood by many indigenous cultures but largely forgotten by most of us, except in the language of spirituality, but now more and more research is affirming this profound truth. In one interesting study, strangers were asked to meditate together for twenty minutes. They were then each hooked up to an electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor their brain waves and placed in separate Faraday chambers, which is basically a small cage blocking any electromagnetic or sensory communication between the partners. Their only instruction was to 'maintain a sense of their partner.'"
"Amazingly, the researchers found that while one partner was exposed to random flashes of light the other person's brain responded in a similar pattern despite being separated and not exposed to the light. With just twenty minutes of mutual meditation, their brains had become connected and entangled. Think of the implications of that on a collective scale."
#3
Stopped paying close attention to the news. I realized I wasn't going to be making a big change in the world and all it was doing was getting me upset so I stopped. The world is just as messed up and/or ok as it was then and I'm much less stressed about it all.
Tamra 3 years ago
This is a tough one for me. I want to stay informed, but I have to realize that I tend to get too mired down in all the negative information, and have to make myself take news breaks.
Mitchell 3 years ago
You’re spot on. For my mental health, I’ve decided to suffer the embarrassment of being ill informed and stop watching the news.
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john cole 3 years ago
I agree, even with "trustworthy" news vendors the aim is still to sell the news. Bad or stressful news sells better. There's nothing we can do about it, so I personally avoid the news now. I found it interesting during the pandemic, as I work in a related biomedical field. All day every day the news was about the line of work I was in. The News didn't lie as such, but it was obviously throwing fuel on the fire of people's feelings, one way or another. It's hard to describe, but it kept exploring the same issues from different "topical" angles, despite having no different data to go on. Really, a few months after it was identified researchers knew how the pandemic would play out, "knew" the vaccines would work, and had already started producing millions of doses. Pandemics are pandemics. Everything else was just politicians arguing what to do with the information, and News vendors adding to the fear and anger. With ordinary people stuck in the middle of an awful situation.
Data1001 3 years ago
I stopped watching and reading news years ago, but when I stayed with family a little while back, I was astounded at how SENSATIONALISTIC the news broadcasts had gotten. They are more like entertainment shows now, meant to stir up your emotions. And unfortunately, those emotions are almost always negative ones. Non-gossip (but rather news-related) talk shows (both daytime and late night) are big culprits, as well.
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SobyKay 3 years ago
Same for me. I have high empathy & sensitivity and having a constant barrage of the needs and tragedies of others coming at me really takes its toll. I decided long ago that I will concern myself with whoever and whatever is in my immediate ability to influence, and everything else is going to have to "wait." I dont get the newspaper and I dont check news online. I dont let ppl discuss world events with me first thing in the morning. I'm not always up to date on the latest happenings all over the world - but it's better that way. A little bit of delayed information never did me any harm, and sometimes allowed me to go about my day getting things done before dealing with really troubling news later in the day, when I was more mentally prepared for it.
Headless Roach 3 years ago
The sheer volume of news attacking us every day is overwhelming too. The mosquito biting a human is no longer news, a human biting the mosquito is.
Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago
There's always been bad news but we didn't have people scanning the net worldwide for the most horrific stories they can find. On a slow day my local station uses fatal auto accidents, with graphic pictures, as filler. I have no proof but I believe a lot of copycat crimes are due to this unending exposure. I realize you can't stick your head in the sand but I also realize the news isn't a fair representation of what's happening for most people.
Lene 3 years ago
I've struggled extra with anxiety this year. When Russia invaded Ukraine my anxiety went through the roof! That day I went from having the news on for hours on end every day because I felt that I ought to be updated on stuff to watching the news max a few times per week. Sometimes it's just once every few weeks. And I think it's helped me reducing the anxiety quite a bit.
Human #1,232,867 3 years ago
As soon as you don't spend more time getting "news" from FB instead of newspaper...
#4
Saying no to things that I don't actually want to do instead of trying to help everyone out
MsLou 3 years ago
Agreed! What bothers me is when they ask me to explain...
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*Displayname*=idk 3 years ago
This is where I struggle. I enjoy the feeling of helping others. But sometimes I don't want to do it, yet I force myself to. I guess I forgot how to say no.
Tess 3 years ago (edited)
The one good thing to come out of being so extremely ill for the past couple of years has been learning how to not feel quite so guilty when I have to tell someone that as much as their offer may be appreciated; I'm not able to accept their invitation, help, or whatever else that it might be. Nor, does it make any difference if it's due to my mental health, physical health, or a combination of both.
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
So setting up boundaries, which I was never allowed as a child. Those of us who weren't understand how hard it is to say no, and those of us still in that situation know the irritation that we still can't.
FlamingoPanda 3 years ago
I decided this year would be my year of saying no. Instead of saying yes to everyone I now take a bit of time to think it through and then respond to invites and things like that. I also don't just offer my help anymore but rather decide if I really want to help.
Skillicorn said the Framington Heart Study provides further evidence of our connections.
"As part of this study, a group of participants were followed for over 20 years to explore how their moods influenced those around them. The researchers found that if one person's happiness increased, the odds of those around them also being happy increased by 34%."
"One's odds of being happier increased by 25% if living within one mile of a happier friend. Better yet, even if a friend’s friend’s friend becomes happier, your chance of happiness increases by 15%. Clearly, we are inextricably linked together for better or worse. This evidence suggests that the power of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions has a ripple effect that we are only beginning to understand."
"If this is true, then it becomes our individual responsibility to center, balance, and heal ourselves so that we are less reactive, more focused, and present, so we can make wise, clear-headed decisions for ourselves and others," the psychiatrist explained.
#5
Moving to a place that wasn't winter 8 months of the year and I was close to the ocean. Haven't felt suicidal in over a year and a half, probably for the first time since i was 16.
karl briggs 3 years ago
Makes me happy to hear this, glad your doing well. I always found it peaceful and calming near the sea.
3 Owls In A Coat 3 years ago
I’m an Alberta-born (flat plains) girl who moved to a BC island (mountains and oceans and rainforests) when I was 5 and I completely agree, the ocean is so calming - my Alberta relatives want me to move back but I don’t think I could ever leave the sea 🧡
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Peej Maybe 3 years ago
Lived by the ocean during the 90s and I can safely say that even though I was going through the worst time in my life at the time, being close to the ocean and being able to walk on beaches helped stop me from going completely off the deep end.
ihmis olento 3 years ago
the winter is coming and my seasonal depression is starting to, you know start. im so ready to move out, not in a life stage to do so unfortunately.
AK to LV 3 years ago
I can understand that. Before I moved to Las Vegas, my last couple of years in Alaska were pretty rough. One thing that really helped was taking Vitamin D. I went to a naturopath doctor and actually got a shot of Vitamin D that made a HUGE difference with my SAD and depression during the winter. I still had problems but it made enduring the darker months a lot better. Even after moving to Nevada, I would still have problems with getting really down in Sept. It took a couple of years before I realized I was dreading the winter months and the shorter days even though my life was totally different. I still have problems making it outside in the winter months but I started taking over the counter Vitamin D and it's helped A LOT! Sometimes the smallest changes can really help.
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Jovmen 3 years ago
I guess I'm the weirdo. I get depressed by heat and humidity. I feel so energized in cool, dry, high altitudes.
K W 3 years ago
I know so many people who dislike heat and humidity so I don't think you're weird at all.
Load More Replies... #6
Joining a D&D group. I don’t have much free time because I’m my mums carer but getting out for those few hours a week and just having fun really makes a difference. Plus I’ve made some really great friends that have become vital parts of my support network.
Dan Padgett 3 years ago
My group has been going for 6 years now. Honestly, the escapism itself is amazing. Good people, good time, good mental health.
"Social media provides another window into this phenomenon," Dr. Skillicorn added. "Facebook conducted an experiment in which an automated system shifted the emotional content of different user’s newsfeeds. They discovered that those who received more negative news posted more negative feeds, while those reading more positive posts tended to post more positive feeds."
"This shows the power (and danger) of how what we read and focus on during the day can shift our perceptions and mood, and how these choices have a significant impact not only on ourselves but those around us. It benefits all of us to become more aware of what we are sending out into the world."
#7
Getting a job that paid a living wage improved my mental health 1000%.
Lantana Howell 3 years ago
Much easier. Even with degrees and certifications!
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Ele V 3 years ago (edited)
That's not a choice though, is it? I mean, I bet that all people want to have a job that pays them at least living wage.. But it's not a choice when you don't get that job.. I don't think that the post belongs in this article... It's a moot point
3 Owls In A Coat 3 years ago (edited)
Getting a job that pays over minimum wage is not always something someone can just choose (or we’d all obviously choose it), you’re very right. However, rather than seeing this as a to-do-list, see it as the title says, “things people did that greatly improved their mental health.” I’ve been here and it’s INSANE the first time you realize you’ve never actually relaxed in your life because it’s always survival mode - when you pay all the bills, buy every grocery/medical item you need, maybe buy a treat like a takeout pizza and then realize you still have $150 leftover? With nothing to HAVE TO spend it on? The first time you’ve ever had money to save? Amazing feeling! I think the takeaway point is actually: we would all be doing so much better if we were paid an ACTUAL living wage, it actually makes an incredible difference to your mental health and quality of life :)
Load More Replies... AK to LV 3 years ago
a qDon't stop trying! Even just trying can change your world. I feel stuck myself. I did start doing those paying surveys online. The extra $20 or so a month even helped. I hope you're able to find something.🤞🙏🌻
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#8
Getting a cat
Taking vitamins every morning
Being honest about my feelings
Setting clear immovable boundaries with my family
Helen Waight 3 years ago
Even though he pukes on my shoes, occasionally attacks me during his zoomies and does the most disgusting farts known to nature I still love that my cat snuggles onto my lap when I’m feeling down.
Ramirez rachael 3 years ago
My cat definitely rescued me!! Saved her from euthanasia because she was old! This cat still has some spunk in her even at 16!!!
Clover 3 years ago
Make sure to pack as much love into her final years as you can. You will have no regrets. ♥️
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BeepBeepBoopBoop 3 years ago
yes! We just adopted our fourth kitten and our family is definitely complete. She's a biter but we're working on it. Having all our animals around helps me not feel so sad all of the time ❤️
In the United States, 45% of individuals with a clinical-level mental problem do not seek professional help.
Overall, the primary reason for not seeking professional help for a clinical disorder is a preference for self-help (36%), when people try to manage their challenges on their own or don't think they needed any mental health treatment. This explanation is followed by:
- a lack of knowledge of what kind of help to seek or where to get it (34%);
- a lack of confidence in mental health treatment (28%);
- about one in five (22)% did not seek help because of stigma or fear of not wanting people to know;
- and 17% were deterred by a lack of affordability.
#9
Knowing it's okay to leave some people behind
karl briggs 3 years ago
On a warm summers evening, on a train I met an old timer who gave me a great bit of advice, he said " You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run ".... granted the old timer was talking about gambling, but in that advice I found an ace that I could keep! 😁
Tess 3 years ago (edited)
I'd much prefer having some distant acquaintances. Have next to no friends, or none at all. I would really rather not have to repeat the multiple long, drawn out, harsh, learning curves, that taught me just how many years truely awful, and soulless, individuals who are well past the point of friendship, but claim to be "family"; can keep up with their own b******t persona they've created in an attempt to resemble a human being.
#10
Silencing my activity on social media, and replacing my time spent on there by reading books instead. I’ve finished 6 books since the start of January. I feel so good about myself because of it.
Mohsie Supposie 3 years ago
... especially if you position yourself on the couch as in the picture!
Ursula Johnson 3 years ago
I read and listen to over 200 books a year. So many great series! Don't care if they've won awards.
Yay Pandas! 3 years ago
I'm only on Facebook. However, I've start TikTok and watching videos on Youtube. I believe I need to take your advice. I end up spending hours when there's so many other things I could and should be doing.
January Tempis 3 years ago
There's facebook, then the fb messenger chats (individual and group both), texts, personal emails, work emails. It's craziness. I've started powering down my phone on Saturday night and not turning it on till Monday morning. If you need me, you need to knock on my door. (But you better not knock on my door unless it's freaking urgent.) Maybe deleting fb needs to be next.
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Mary Daniel 3 years ago
I read like a house on fire. Usually before I go to sleep at night. I read no trash, often classics or books that have won publishers or National Book Awards. It is my escape hatch from the woes of this world
"The earlier you can seek help, the better," Skillicorn said. "It is far easier to prevent a downward spiral if caught early than to wait until there are few options beyond hospitalization and medication. If you are struggling to function, to get out of bed in the morning, if you find yourself ruminating over dark, despairing thoughts, then the best first step is to find a therapist who can offer support and guidance."
Although debatable as to what extent, Skillicorn said that, "medications have a place, but other options may be worth trying first, including therapy, mindfulness techniques, exercise, establishing better sleep hygiene, getting outside in nature, and connecting with others."
"All of these have been found in research studies to be effective tools for preventing and treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues," the psychiatrist added. "The problem, of course, is that the depressive mind often rejects that these things can be effective and avoids doing the very things that might be most helpful. That is why having support from a therapist, close friend, or support group is important."
#11
I take ten minutes a day (usually before bed) to tidy things up. I'm always surprised at how much I can get done in just ten minutes, and it's so much easier to keep the place clean that way. When things start getting really bad, the fact that I've always got a clean place is incredibly helpful.
Headless Roach 3 years ago
Waking up in the morning to a pile of dishes in the sink doesn't help start the day, I admit. Maybe that 10 min evening cleanup is not a bad idea after all.
Makajha Banjjjak 3 years ago
In the spirit of saving electricity bill (lower tariff at night) I started setting up dishwasher in the evening. It makes such a huge difference for mental health in the morning! Win win
Load More Replies... Lene 3 years ago
Just tried it.... with 3 kids in the house I only managed to do a teeny tiny fraction of the living room. Lol. I will do it again tomorrow, though. And perhaps I should do it as a 30 day challenge. Just to see if that's enough to keep the home a bit tidy despite the kids. Lol.
TooBusyExisting 3 years ago
I do that but in the morning. it really helps to see a clean room every time you walk in it
Jen Kauffman 3 years ago
I never go to bed with a dirty kitchen. I always clear the table, pack leftovers for lunch, do all the dishes, wipe everything down, take out the trash, and figure out dinner for the next day so I can do so on a full stomach and figure out what might need to be thawed or picked up at the store. It's so nice not to have that "what do you want do you want for dinner" convo daily and yo wake up to a clean kitchen. Game changer.
#12
I don't read/watch the news much anymore.
#13
Learning the art of not giving a f**k
GFSTaylor 3 years ago
Learning the art of what NOT to give a f**k about. I keep clean and tidy, but don't otherwise worry much about what others might think about how I look. I very rarely wear any make up, never try to keep in fashion, don't faff about shaving body hair unless I really feel like it. It saves time and mental energy, I'm sure. I do care about other things.
Booker 3 years ago
Started at 68 when I (finally) noticed that letting others know you care about something is a loud and clear invitation to perpetrators who are on the lookout to use others or enjoy violating others to gain a sense or power and control. My antidote also included gray rocking those that couldn't stop violating others. Best of luck and good wishes to all that DGaF. :-)
#14
Exercise
Headless Roach 3 years ago
I get plenty of exercise: jumping to conclusions, pushing my luck, and dodging deadlines.
Whitney Anderson 3 years ago
I started distance running about 2 years ago and I love it. It is a great way to clear my head and makes me stay healthy. I'm hoping to do my first marathon next September! Im 16 now but will be 17 then!
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
The thing that pisses me off about this is that people basically claim it cures depression. It just has a higher likelihood to reduce your depression. I was still depressed even for the year I went to the gym and worked out. it doesn't help everyone.
AK to LV 3 years ago
I can understand. If you can afford it, maybe got to the doctor and get a blood test. I found out that my Vitamin D and B levels were really low. I just started taking Vit B and D daily int the last 2 weeks and I have noticed a slight difference, already. Maybe it can help?🙏🤞🌻
Load More Replies... Tamra 3 years ago
I've fought clinical depression since I was a teenager. I've been on almost every major prescribed antidepressant, seen several therapists, have tried meditation, acupuncture...hell, I even saw a shaman once! The one thing that's reliably worked for me, personally, is regular exercise. Those other things have their place of importance and usefulness for sure, but the exercise is definitely a bonus.
#15
Sleep.
Joey Marlin 3 years ago
Not always easy... If you hurt sleep can be hard to get enough of. Last night was bad and so I was going to make myself a hot drink and then dropped something heavy on my foot! THAT made it even more difficult! 😡 My doggies will be getting a shorter walk than normal today...
Dodomaster Lord of chickens 3 years ago
Poor doggies, hope you feel better!
Load More Replies... karl briggs 3 years ago
My grandpa has always told me that you should live by - eight hours work, eight hours family/social time and eight hours sleep... he's 94 this year and still going strong! 🙂
Celeste De Oliveira 3 years ago
Y como hago si mi trabajo es de 9h diarias? :'(
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#16
Being honest and transparent about how I'm feeling. "I'm not mad at you, my brain just hates me right now," has helped mitigate lots of fights and awkward conversations.
Nea 3 years ago
Good to know you are surrounded by people who get this. Even the closest people dont want to believe its a real thing and i am not just being mean
Tess 3 years ago
Maybe the closest people shouldn't have the honour of holding that position.
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Harley Lee 3 years ago
I tell my partner when ‘I want to have a sh*t fit.’ This means the person who claims it is allowed to cry scream shout and be unreasonable for a moment and the other person won’t logic anything, and say oh dear for u. Honestly they r the best! They never last longer than 3 mins and always end up with laughing and/ or a solution instead of negativity
Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
I have to be honest with my husband when I get home from work and he's wondering why I'm cranky. I'll say "I just spent nine hours pretending to care about people and things that I couldn't care less for. Give me ten minutes to be alone. I love you." I then go have some quiet time and am better.
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
This wouldn't help me in the slightest. I have terrible people in my life.
AK to LV 3 years ago
I'm so sorry to hear it. I hope that things will get better.🤞🙏🌻
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Niall Mac Iomera 3 years ago
You are your brain though. Well your mind. Your brain is not a separate entity from you.
#17
Helping people in general. Today someone dropped their credit card on the train so I picked it up and ran outside give it to her. Just hearing them thanking me makes me feel a lot better about myself and encourages me to be a good person in general
Whitney Anderson 3 years ago
I love helping people! I run and everyday of a race I try to help someone because the endorphins you get from it are incredible!
Yay Pandas! 3 years ago
You're passing along good karma/storing it up for yourself. It's good to offer, it's terrible that woman aced so rudely. I just always try to do the right thing. I tell myself that maybe if I'm polite to people maybe they'll pass it along. (Even just letting someone get in front of me on the freeway.)
Echidna learns extreme ironing 3 years ago
Random Acts of Kindness - RAKs - try doing one each day.
#18
Quitting online arguing. It sounds obvious, but once I started telling myself "just block it out, it's not worth the effort" and becoming more apathetic about dumbasses online, it genuinely helped things. I didn't realise how stressed seeing dumb opinions made me.
Also, I don't use Twitter. Which helps. Next platform to hopefully kick is Facebook.
Mistiekim 3 years ago
No point arguing with a “right fighter”. They will always believe they are right and cannot even listen/think of the contrary.
Deutschland Mädchen 3 years ago
i'm afraid that I'm one of those people- I'm pretty stubborn and find it hard to back down sometimes. I'm trying to work through that though
Load More Replies... Tamra 3 years ago
Ah, I'm guilty of this here on BP. Getting into arguments with Trump lovers. I'm never going to agree with their point of view, and I'm never going to change their minds, so I need to learn to let it go. Just...so...hard...to keep my mouth shut.
Monday 3 years ago
I'd argue (ha!) that it's only a problem if the argument in question is causing you emotional distress. I'm not particularly invested in the arguments I get into, there's no lingering emotional response for me, so I don't see the harm in continuing. So all in all it's about whether you're wired to be emotionally invested or not.
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Karen Philpott 3 years ago
I tell my husband to just leave them to it. It's bad for his health and I'm sick of hearing about. You can't fix dumb.
Joshua Moore 3 years ago
Never get into a fight with an idiot. They'll wear you down with a lifetime of experience. 😜🤣
#19
Working from home. In the office I have to be "on" for 8 hours, regardless of whether I'm on break or not. At home I can relax in a comfortable space without spending any "social energy".
Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
I understand that. I'm the opposite; I get too distracted by chores and everything else, and the couch always lulls me to sleep if I even dare sit on it. I have to have the office to keep the mindset focused on work.
Headless Roach 3 years ago
Pros and cons there... working from home you never actually leave the office. There are many different layers to tackle here
Marco Richter 3 years ago (edited)
"...working from home you never actually leave the office" sounds like a problem of ones own mind. Try to change your outlook about this. Due to quarantine I was in home office for 2.5 years now and I never had a problem with this.
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LynzCatastrophe 3 years ago
I think my biggest realization that something was seriously wrong was when I got my new job. I work on a ferry, two weeks on, two weeks off. The hours are long, hard and you sleep when you get a chance. And I love every second of being away from home, I just hate leaving my dog. I love being away, not having contact with people except crewmembers and passengers. I love that when my shift is over for the day I can just go to my cabin and relax, that small little room with only enough space for a bed and a side table is my sanctuary and it's silent. I've taken this as a serious sign that I can't be here anymore. Not if work has ended up being my preferred place. If I could keep my dog on board, I'd never leave.
#20
Stopping hormonal birth control. Didn't realize how much it was messing with me.
Mistiekim 3 years ago
For some women this is definitely needed though. A hormonal cycle needs to be regulated for reasons ranging from helping with irregular periods to managing the emotional roller coaster to helping with cramping. There are certainly risks and they aren’t for everyone, but that’s a conversation to have with your physician.
Kirsten Kerkhof 3 years ago
Good for you! For me hormonal birth control was the best thing I could have done as it regulated the torrent of blood, the mood swings, and the unpredicitability, but it is good to be aware that it is not perfect for everybody.
Nea 3 years ago
On the contrary, i immediately reaised how much its messing with my mind and body. Perhaps the side effects hit different people differently.
TheElderNom 3 years ago
Different birth control hits differently too though. I was a mess on pills and noticed that quickly, if my hormone stick has similar issues I haven't noticed them. And there can be a diffence just between different brands of the same thing, not to mention from person to person.
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Sien 3 years ago
This is very true, too few woman know about this. Since i quit birth control (my husband had a vasectomy) my feelings have intensified. I do feel more down at some stages in my cycle, but this is overwhelmingly compensated by the energy I gained at other times. In general I have more energy and self confidence, AND it does wonders for the libido 😁. Wish I quit years sooner.
Thea 3 years ago
Same, I didnt recognize my self on hormonal birthcontrol
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Isabela Cincu 3 years ago
I take hormonal control because otherwise I am a living danger on my PMS...i cry and self harm...plus atrocious pain. But this post makes me think...🤔
The crushinator 3 years ago
Nooo don't listen to random people on the internet! Listen to your own body, experience and someone you trust as a medical caretaker!!
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rehanne garvey 3 years ago
Starting birth control was literally the best thing that ever happened to me❤️ regulated my body, my hormones and is protecting me from unplanned pregnancies. I couldn't be happier.
Lena Z 3 years ago
Oh yea I can relate. While I was taking the pill I didn't even know depression was a common side effect and even though i've bee in treatment for depression while on the pill none of my doctors took a closer look ar it. Now that i'm off it I feel mixh better. I'm not saying the pill is what caused my depression but it certainly didn't help.
Anička 3 years ago
Can I add that there are other options besides the pill? Hormonal IUDs are likely much better overall: less hormones so less side effects, you can't miss or mess up the dose because it's sitting in the uterus, and they last between 3 and 7 years depending on the specifics, so you don't need to worry about refilling a prescription very often.
#21
Getting a dog my dog I just love him. House training was a struggle but he actually caught on in a surprising way, saw him peeking out from the door when I was cleaning I saw his expression and he was somewhat ashamed he got a lot better after he saw me and had that realization.
Another little story about my dog
My brother used to set like 10 alarms in the morning and wouldn’t wake up. Well after the the first few ones I started to get a little groggy and upset, my dog got up and went to my brothers room and I just heard “hey tit... stop titan, no stop” then my dog came back in the room and slept with me.
He’s a Rottweiler mixed with another dog not sure since he was bought from a third party
#22
Kicking the toxic abusive ex out.
Drastically improved my physical and financial health too!
April Caron 3 years ago
This! Divorcing my abusive, toxic ex. And after seeing a pattern of dating similar men… I decided to see a behavioral therapist, who helped me to break the pattern. Once I realized I needed to go after the completely opposite type of guy… I found my current partner… someone who is loving and caring… and exactly the type of person I wanted all along.
Desert Panda 3 years ago
I had to do the same thing... now just gotta undo all the damage the toxic ones did to me!
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Powerful Katrinka 3 years ago
I hadn't realized how bad it had really become in my marriage until I kicked my violent, childish, and dishonest husband out. For the first time in years, after coming home from work I didn't sit in my car summoning the strength to get out and walk into my own house.
#23
Taking vitamin D and B supplements and getting enough sleep. Really helped reduce excessive thinking and fixating on negative things from my past.
Monday 3 years ago
Are we supposed to take it orally? My device doesn't taste very good.
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Katheryne Smith 3 years ago
OP, (and anyone else who has taken vitamin D and Bs and feels much better) you may want to have your doctor take a blood test for the MTHFR gene mutation. My whole family is missing this gene and it can cause a lot of troubles with sleeping, depression, and other things. Please research it and see a doc if you feel like it applies. This gene affects the way your body absorbs and breaks down folic acid. In turn it messes with your d and b vitamin. I hope you are all doing well and take care.
BeepBeepBoopBoop 3 years ago
wow that's really interesting and I feel like that's something that probably isn't talked about enough! Thank you!
Load More Replies... Yay Pandas! 3 years ago
I hear you. I had a lot of problems with intrusive thoughts. What' helped me is some medication. I definitely take vitamins and try to get regular sleep too
#24
Understanding how my mental illnesses worked (anxiety and depression) and noticing when I was experiencing symptoms.
Then learning how to mitigate them.
Went to therapy, and I'm now on antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds.
I'm not in therapy anymore, but I still kinda do like, therapy sessions with myself. These are basically just me going through how I'm feeling and holding up at the moment, and you know, just trying to figure out how I'm doing and then trying to solve any problems I have.
Ember 3 years ago
Learning and understanding my triggers really helped me. I now avoid caffeine and alcohol as well as trying to get more sleep and avoid stressful situations (where I can) which helps (with my meds) to cut down the number of major episodes and makes me feel more able to function on a daily basis.
Whitefox 3 years ago
Oh my gosh yes. I went through therapy with a psychologist who talked me through a lot of things I had never really thought about and he got me on the perfect medication and I'm finding out I was more stressed/ anxious than I ever realized. Now, I'm learning how to really feel my emotions and be able to relax.
Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
Having recently seen a psychiatrist for a mood stabilizer on top of my regular antidepressants (which didn't seem to be working) was an amazing choice. I feel better, don't have erratic mood swings each day, and even have better energy than before. Take care of your mental health!
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
I'm all sorts of f****d up. I can tell when an episode is coming up, but due to me being abused so hard through my life, even telling my friend who's proven time and again that I can trust them is anxiety inducing and I just wait until it's gone and then tell them. I know my feelings but can't always describe them well, and people screaming at me never helps.
#25
Eliminating negative self talk. Instead of “oh god I said something stupid, now she thinks I’m an idiot, why am I so dumb” I just tell myself “it’s ok, I misunderstood what she was asking, everyone does this sometimes and it’s no big deal” which usually stops the shame spiral before it can form.
I was severely depressed before trying this. It didn’t fix everything but it made my life a lot better. Worked at least as well as antidepressants honestly.
Lucas 3 years ago
Also remembering that people focus and remember what THEY do that embarrasses THEM. Most people don't give a second's thought to stuff others do - bar maybe thinking 'glad that wasn't me' in the moment. No one else is remembering that ten years ago you said something stupid, that's only in your head.
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
I hold grudges, which isn't good, but that's also different than someone doing something embarrassing. This bit of advice helped me a lot, knowing others focus only on themselves
Load More Replies... KimB 3 years ago
I used to beat myself up all the time over my appearance starting at a fairly young age because my grandmother used to compare me to my older cousin who was a ballerina. She'd never say the word fat but she'd say I was solid. Bear in mind I was always underweight for my height. I finally told her off when I was 14 after taking second place in my state wide Tae Kwon Do tournament. I told her yes I'm solid. Solid muscle! I said I was sorry I wasn't petite and delicate like my cousin but I could be her body guard! She did back off after that thankfully. I'm proud of my accomplishments and that's good enough for me.
#26
Quit having grudges with people. Let them go and you’ll be relaxed
Nea 3 years ago
Tried doing this and many people behave like they were never wrong.
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Whitney Anderson 3 years ago
forgiveness is one the best gifts even if you dont ever talk to them again you can still forgive them
Alana Voeks 3 years ago (edited)
But still learn from them. If you just totally forgive and forget, you'll be stepped on time and time again. (Also, you do not HAVE to forgive anyone. If you were wronged, it is THEIR responsibility to apologize, it's NEVER on you to accept it though.)
#27
Eating breakfast.
I'd often describe to my boss and coworkers that I'd have a really bad brain fog that I sometimes couldn't think at all. I usually wouldn't eat until around 1pm or 2pm when I'd been up since 9am. I had to start getting up around 8am or sometimes 7am and I would have extra time to get food.
Once I did, the brain fog went away and the change was immediate.
Tess 3 years ago (edited)
Spent the better part of a decade working full time with a lot of unpaid overtime. Having to repeatedly explain to the same people, why I physically cannot eat anything from the moment that I woke up, until I got home from work; was beyond exhausting, and the epitome of stupidity itself.
Sandra Morison 3 years ago
I cannot face the day without breakfast,unch I can miss but never breakfast
#28
Adult hobbies. Surfing. Fishing. Running. Mine are solo activities, but you just need something challenging that you have to work at to get better. It gives you little things to look forward to so you’re not focused on all the depressing bs.
Mia Black 3 years ago
I, personally hate to be challenged - even by myself. I enjoy hobbies in what i can experience New stories (like pen&paper or boardgames, exit rooms, Theater...) or places (canoeing, hiking...) but with no Real Intention to get better. This would Stress me. Just enjoying the moments
3 Owls In A Coat 3 years ago (edited)
I realized a while ago that I wasnt working on anything at all, had literally no projects or hobbies to work on getting better at, made me feel really sad! Depression sucks! So I picked up my Russian again and am getting back to painting slowly :) I miss that exciting feeling of watching yourself grow (calmly and at your own pace, not making it a competition, obviously!)
#29
Something small that has helped me is saying aloud “What a beautiful day, today is”. It’s small but I have better outlook
Henry Myers 3 years ago
This is just what I needed to hear today. Thank you!
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#30
Getting rid of Instagram
wifeofweasley 3 years ago
Unpopular Opinion: It's not instagrams faul - it's somehow your own. If you only interact with accounts of people showing their perfect life, perfect relationships or perfect body of course you'll feel bad. I don't follow any of those overly edited, posed insta models. I only follow thing I enjoy looking at like memes, jokes, animals, movie accounts, food accounts (not diet accounts!). Keep these insta models out of your feed. Instagram has options to hide specific accounts or to say you don't enjoy a specific catagory of content. Not saying that social media isn't/can't be toxic but it obv get's worse when interacting with these accounts because Instagram will show you even more because the algorithm thinks you like it.
Frank Hassler 3 years ago (edited)
Call me crazy but I only follow friends and family and organizations I support. You’ve got to “curate” your feed with things that matter.
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ThatSunniChick 3 years ago
It's not just the content that affects your mental state. I see where some of these commenters are coming from, but there is also the fact that social media can be a massive time/energy suck. Ridding yourself of the distraction is, in and of itself, helpful. Not to mention the false validation some people become addicted to, framing their self-image with the number of likes, followers, reposts, etc. I never had anything but FB, and that's been off my radar for years at this point. I'm infinitely in a better mental place for it, even though I had a "curated" feed.
Joss 3 years ago
Uh oh - I've never been a social media person, but I'm actually just about to start using Instagram lol (I was talked into it after many compliments on the photos I take of clients' pets, just need to get photo releases signed before I can start posting). I hope my non-social media personality helps protect me from its evils :)
Ember 3 years ago
Social media shows unrealistic ideals that young people try to live up to, not understanding that it’s all just a fantasy. This can be very harmful to self esteem and confidence. You follow the things/accounts your friends do to feel included and trendy, not realising that your mental health can be so negatively effected.
#31
Being significantly pickier about who I spend time with. I now actively seek out friendships with kind, creative people and actively do *not* go to extended family gatherings.
#32
Changed job. Realised my first work place was toxic when everyone I respected left after a few months. I didn't knew better at first since it was my first real full time job. So glad I changed. Now I'm respected and have a real team with me. Feel 100% better mentally AND physically.
#33
Going freelance after 10 years of employment. There’s a lot of toxic people in my industry and at least now I’m never stuck with them. Overtime has drastically cut as well (basically zero), plus I’m making more money. Literally everything work related got better so naturally my mental health improved with that. I went freelance after burning out at a really messed up place.
Then sobriety. From drinking til drunk nearly every night, to nothing. At first it’s rough to sit with your feelings instead of numbing them, but then slowly things start to improve. I feel like im more grounded now, less anxious, and capable of having better relationships with people. I have a lot more peace of mind nowadays.
Quitting hormonal birth control was also a big one. It was like I finally saw the world in saturated colors. The difference was insane and no one will ever be able to convince me to get back on the pill. My periods are ten times worse and for a long time I struggled with hormonal acne after quitting hormonal bc, but I still take that over the permanent sadness that came with taking the pill from 14-30 years old. I feel awful about those wasted years because I really did struggle.
#34
Getting rid of my nice new car when I had financial issues and buying a cheap 30 year old two seater with a soft top on a whim.I still have her 4 years later, I drive her daily, and she's still the best anti-depressant I've ever had.
#35
Enforcing boundaries in work
Headless Roach 3 years ago
My boundaries like to keep me apart from work every day - does that count?
#36
Meeting my future wife and having my first child. Followed by two more kids. There’s definitely a lot of “tough” parenting days, but as a recovering alcoholic, my wife not only saved my life by not packing and leaving but she gave me three amazing kids that make me realize there’s so much more to life than drinking myself to sleep every night.
#37
I started jogging in the morning, the earlier the better. Took a while to get used to it but after about a month my body just woke up around 5:30am and I was excited about getting up and going out for a run. I felt like I had the city to myself. It was so calming. And from an egotistical point of view, I just felt better than anyone who hadn’t got up at 5:30am and gone for a run. From a non-egotistical point of view, I wouldn’t eat unhealthy food all day because what a waste that would be of my hard efforts. I don’t have mental health problems but I think I have a lot of traumatic events that could give me mental health issues; I just go for a jog early and feel like the city is mine. And I feel better.
love u 3 years ago
i have my swim practice before school, at like maybe 5:00-7:00am. While i normally hate it because i dont get enough sleep, some days its really calming
love u 3 years ago
and also i have a reason to be lazy all day afterwards. "stop laying on the couch and do something" "well you didnt do a two hour swim practice today so suck it"
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Matthew Thompson 3 years ago
This. Early morning runs, jogs, or even brisk walks are so satisfying to the soul. I have experienced that same wonderful serenity so much.
#38
For me, it was meditation and listing out things I’m grateful for in life. Also, watching lighthearted movies/tv shows really helps! Also the ho’oponopono mantra which is a hawaiian prayer really helps too! Listening to it makes me feel extremely positive.
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What do you think ?
Buren 3 years ago
Accepting that I am actually weird and treat it as a compliment when people say so. That it's okay being called arrogant, rude, anti-social, ungrateful, because I don't feel like hanging out. That it's okay if I don't reply those messages right away and disappear for a while until I am ready to reply. That those who stay with me are my real friends instead of those who asking me to change.
Jihana 3 years ago
Same here. Also, the realization that I am an introvert who just needs alone time to recharge my batteries.
Load More Replies... Helen Waight 3 years ago
For me, it was getting on medications finally and deciding to ignore all the people who told me that antidepressants didn’t work, that you could have the same effect by going jogging, or that they’d turn you into a zombie. I’m now on several different psychiatric medications and I don’t have suicidal feelings 30 times a day anymore.
ItsJess 3 years ago
YES- there is still such stigma about being on psychiatric meds. I am taking two together and they've saved my life. BUT initially I was so ashamed, thinking, "wow, something is really screwy if I need not one but two medications". Now I am feeling so much better and I just think, "well, I'm glad that we found something that's working for me". Everyone's brain chemistry is different, and it takes time and trial and error to come on a solution that will help
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Marco Richter 3 years ago
It may sound hard to do but: Don't care about the weather. If it rains or if it is cold, try to actively feel and enjoy it. Also: You don't get a cold from "bad" weather. You get it when someone infects you.
Himory TheDreamer 3 years ago
Never stopped to think people could care about the weather :V I never did.
Load More Replies... Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
Accepting that I'm never going to be thin. Even if I lose my target weight of 80, I won't look like a thin model. It's just how the dice rolled for me genetic-wise. However, I can still be healthy and watch what I eat, exercise when I can, and get my steps and water in each day with hot tea. My relationship with food has become easier (no dieting 24/7 means no restricted mindset that tortured me each time I ate something or didn't).
GirlFriday 3 years ago
Things that helped me improve my mental health: setting my work email to quiet time so I don't get email alerts when I am not at work; silencing all social media alerts and deleting some SM altogether; at least once a week, I leave my phone at home, pack up the dogs and head out for two hours minimum of quiet time in nature; using guided meditations from YouTube to fall asleep rather than the TV or a movie.
Bob La Capra 3 years ago
I retired a little earlier than planned. Best career move I ever made.
Sue Lynn Chan 3 years ago
some light hearted jokes or watching funny videos. Whenever I'm feeling down or stress, I like to look at some jokes to laugh at. It's really therapeutic and brings back my mood.
Buren 3 years ago
Accepting that I am actually weird and treat it as a compliment when people say so. That it's okay being called arrogant, rude, anti-social, ungrateful, because I don't feel like hanging out. That it's okay if I don't reply those messages right away and disappear for a while until I am ready to reply. That those who stay with me are my real friends instead of those who asking me to change.
Jihana 3 years ago
Same here. Also, the realization that I am an introvert who just needs alone time to recharge my batteries.
Load More Replies... Helen Waight 3 years ago
For me, it was getting on medications finally and deciding to ignore all the people who told me that antidepressants didn’t work, that you could have the same effect by going jogging, or that they’d turn you into a zombie. I’m now on several different psychiatric medications and I don’t have suicidal feelings 30 times a day anymore.
ItsJess 3 years ago
YES- there is still such stigma about being on psychiatric meds. I am taking two together and they've saved my life. BUT initially I was so ashamed, thinking, "wow, something is really screwy if I need not one but two medications". Now I am feeling so much better and I just think, "well, I'm glad that we found something that's working for me". Everyone's brain chemistry is different, and it takes time and trial and error to come on a solution that will help
Load More Replies... Marco Richter 3 years ago
It may sound hard to do but: Don't care about the weather. If it rains or if it is cold, try to actively feel and enjoy it. Also: You don't get a cold from "bad" weather. You get it when someone infects you.
Himory TheDreamer 3 years ago
Never stopped to think people could care about the weather :V I never did.
Load More Replies... Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
Accepting that I'm never going to be thin. Even if I lose my target weight of 80, I won't look like a thin model. It's just how the dice rolled for me genetic-wise. However, I can still be healthy and watch what I eat, exercise when I can, and get my steps and water in each day with hot tea. My relationship with food has become easier (no dieting 24/7 means no restricted mindset that tortured me each time I ate something or didn't).
GirlFriday 3 years ago
Things that helped me improve my mental health: setting my work email to quiet time so I don't get email alerts when I am not at work; silencing all social media alerts and deleting some SM altogether; at least once a week, I leave my phone at home, pack up the dogs and head out for two hours minimum of quiet time in nature; using guided meditations from YouTube to fall asleep rather than the TV or a movie.
Bob La Capra 3 years ago
I retired a little earlier than planned. Best career move I ever made.
Sue Lynn Chan 3 years ago
some light hearted jokes or watching funny videos. Whenever I'm feeling down or stress, I like to look at some jokes to laugh at. It's really therapeutic and brings back my mood.
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