Let's Talk About Mental Health

Happy Easter! I know it's been a while since my last blog post (which was last February). The pandemic just reached its one year mark last month and after a few months of breather for our healthcare workers, we're back to square one while other countries are living as normal and I mean normal without the need to wear face mask whenever they go out let alone a face shield. It's sad that our country's mortality rate has gone up and the number of Covid cases even doubled compared last year so how are we supposed to recover from this? 

My appeal to everyone, since looking at the situation right now, this pandemic is far from over (even if we already have covid vaccines available in our country) let's continue being vigilant in fighting the virus by observing proper health protocols at all times and please stay at home for as much as possible especially if you're job does not require you to go to the office. If you have means, use delivery apps and online banking/wire money transfers to your convenience. In this way, you are helping food delivery/errand riders provide for their families. They are risking their safety as well to make both ends meet and connect people to practically everything that they need. 

And, if you are one of those who have been vaccinated, I think, to be on the safe side, to go on quarantine because I heard and read from the news that there have been quite a number of people who never had covid-19 suddenly becomes positive after being vaccinated. I know it's not scientifically proven but it's a fact. I also learned that these vaccines have covid bacteria in them because how is a vaccine supposed to fight something if it does not have a single component of the virus. It's like opposite poles attract and same poles repel to simply put right? Which means how can the covid vaccine fight covid if it doesn't have a part of it to repel the virus. According to experts, they are not live bacteria, still, covid bacteria is covid bacteria or something like that in my understanding. And, to have immunity against the virus, it's either you have contracted the virus once or you already have covid vaccine in your system. Alright, 'nuff said. 

Anyhow, I don't want to delve too much on pessimism on an Easter Sunday such as today because there are so many things that are way beyond our control except strictly adhering to safety health protocols. Economically, we rely on the government since the movement of all sectors relies in them. I know a lot have already suffered from 'cabin fever syndrome' since last year, but, let's bear in mind that some have already gone to the beach and traveled out of town during the past months therefore, with the again resurgence of covid cases, things have gotten somewhat normal somehow except nothing was ever normal again from the get go. Moving on, so, how do we take care of our mental health then? (In random order). 

• Keep oneself busy. Conceptualize a project that's easy and not heavy on the pocket. As for me, my sister and I pretty much decorated all the walls in our house with pretty wallpapers, repainted our walls again, re-purposed an old and lonely furniture, organized old files already collecting dust. 

• Make money from the comforts of your home. If you already have an online business set up prior to the pandemic, make your products relevant. New normal personal effects sell these days such as disposable & cloth face masks, face shields,  face mask cases, face mask lanyards/straps (for when you have to take off your mask if you're going to eat), hand sanitizers, alcogels, alcohol and everything related to combat the virus. 

• Online shopping also helps reduce mental health aggravation except it should be done in moderation. Remember why I said to earn money from the comforts of your home? This is to have funds to pull from in pursuing your   online shopping needs. Do not indulge in shopping online if your already have an issue controlling your spending as this is going to be your doom. Only shop for say for example bits and bobs or something related to on-a-budget home beautification projects,  new normal essentials etc.

• Read a book. May it be an e-book or a paperback, it really doesn't matter. I am currently reading Paulo Coelho's "The Spy" e-book because that's one of the many ebooks stored in my e-book gallery not to mention I find the pretty book cover enticing LOL. Seriously, I used to read a lot until the advent of Netflix and as soon as I learned that Youtube has a 'watch later' playlist wherein I could save all interesting YT videos to 'watch later.' 🤣 However, I strongly suggest to avoid reading novels which might trigger depression, try reading good vibes or funny books such as Jenny Lawson's 'Let's Pretend It Never Happened.' I laughed my heart out reading it. 

• Adopt, don't shop. Find a pet to love and provide a loving home for them. Pet shops are not haven neither for new fur baby parents as there are tons of cats and dogs, pigs and other abandoned animals looking for a caring home. For as much as possible, try animal shelters and city pounds if you're looking to adopt a pet. Please bear in mind, animals are not disposables but living being which requires a life-long commitment once you adopt one. They are not just 'past time' during ECQ in which you will abandon and return back to shelters when this pandemic is over. That's a no no! If you have such mindset, screw you. Just get yourself a stuft animal instead or battery operated ones. 

• Make a pocket garden or care for plants. Just make sure to continue caring for them even if things are back to normal. I used to have a succulent mini garden by my bedroom window which I no longer have because my cat often digs potting soil. I thought, not a good idea if you have a cat who thinks every soil in the house is his potty LOL. 😅

• Adapt a new lifestyle. Go Vegan, vegetarian, plant-based. I know it's tough but adapting a plant-based lifestyle is the best decision I made aside from veganizing non-vegan dish is one of the most interesting, mind-boggling thing I have done in my life. Use the internet for practical ideas which will benefit not just you but the planet and the animals. Take them off your plate! 

• Watch informative documentaries. My thoughts? Try 'What The Health,'  'Vegan 2020,' and the recent 'Seaspiracy.' These are life changing documentaries. Be in the know.  

WARNING:  These documentaries I mentioned are not for the faint-hearted. Clips from these films may have anxiety triggers. 

These are just basically suggestions which helped me stay mentally astute over the course of this pandemic. I am a Hypothyroid patient (went on RAI treatment way back 2014) whose on lifetime medication in which anxiety is one of its known side effects. Keeping myself busy through creative pursuits whether it be home beautification DIY projects, crafting, crocheting has helped me immensely in fighting anxiety. Since I have been taking beta-blockers, there are days when I have crying bouts which were reduced when I adapted a plant-based diet/went vegan and has kept myself busy through home make-over projects. 

Keeping a busy mind and having someone to talk to like family members is tremendously helpful to everyone these days. But, let's not forget, people suffering from mental health issues are addressed and treated differently. If none of these recommendations work for you, a professional help may be required. 

To end this writing, here's something to ponder before you step out of the door and socialize.