Ever had a severe bad mental health day you thought you would not make it to the end of the day? According to a 2017 study by Our World in Data, 10.7% of the global population had lived with at least one form of mental health disorder. Bad mental health days are a normal part of life. Since they are inevitable, it is only fair that you equip yourself with tips for surviving a bad mental health day.
What does having a bad mental health day mean?
A bad mental health day is having our mental health operating below our expectations. Due to a lack of awareness in some areas of the world most people endure the pain of a bad mental health day unnoticed. There are several signs and symptoms indicative of someone having a bad mental health day. This article highlights some of the symptoms experienced or observed on a bad mental health day.
a) Unusually irritable or angry.
A bad mental health day often has stronger projections of unprovoked irritation. It almost feels like all your negative emotions are amplified. You are also likely to feel edgy, angry, or frustrated in a way that you cannot explain.
b) Increased level of anxiety.
Anxiety is the leading form of mental health disorder. On a bad mental health day, anxiety patients will most likely experience heightened levels of anxiety.
c) Sudden difficulty or inability to focus
This symptom is most visible when a mental health disorder patient to trying to handle several things simultaneously. This is hardly achievable since the mind is not working at optimum levels.
d) Physical pain in parts of the body.
Existing studies have shown that prolonged stress slows down the immune system’s response to an attack. The patients may experience fever, headache, and stomach pains on a bad mental health day since the body is very vulnerable.
e) Abnormal speech
Fast or incoherent speech is also a common sign of a bad mental health day. The affected individual is overwhelmed and speaking fast is a way of trying to unpack what is going on in their mind as fast as possible.
Some symptoms of a bad mental health day are not universally acknowledged but are still noticeable by family members of those living with mental health disorders especially if it’s something out of their usual behavior. For instance, if an extrovert mental health patient exudes a lack of interest in talking or making conversation it could be a sign they are having a unpleasant mental health day.
How to Deal with a Bad Mental Health Day
The following methods have been tried, tested, and proven to be effective for people experiencing a bad mental health day.
Talk it out
If you are having a unpleasant mental health day, then this is one of the best ways to let out what you are feeling. It helps to have someone you trust and feel comfortable sharing with. It could even be a support group. Just think of them as your anchor that supports you at your lowest. Remember the communication does not even have to be verbal. Just having them there making funny faces or helping you get through the day could help lighten your mood.
Do a quick workout or go on a walk
Staring at the same wall, screen or environment can be depressing. On a bad mental health day, it could only get worse hence the need to break the monotony. Remember walking or a workout will help you break the monotony and also help clear your mind.
Don’t overwork
If you find yourself having a bad mental health day, don’t scramble to finish all the pending work. Your first priority should be to take a break from work until your mind is well enough to give. You can cancel appointments, take the day off and do as minimal work as possible.
Cook your favorite meal
Food and water are important ingredients for surviving a bad mental health day. If you love baking, go for it! Having your favorite meal or snack and small sips of water will do the trick to help you survive a terrible mental health day. It is also a good way to keep yourself productive.
Go outside and sit in the sunshine
Always avoid small indoor spaces when having a bad mental health day. Go outside and enjoy the freely circulating air which is very rich in oxygen. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Believe it or not, it will brighten your day and help you survive the unpleasant mental health day.
Find time for your hobbies
On a bad mental health day, the free time can be best spent doing something you love. Remember to keep it as effortless as possible. At this point board games or favorite podcasts could come in handy.
Sleep well
When all is done on a bad mental health day, get to bed as early as possible for a good night’s rest. Nothing leaves the mind more refreshed and ready to face another day!
Importance of self-care for bad mental health days
Good mental health practices are very important for one’s full potential productivity. It has to start with you taking good care of yourself. Here are a few suggestions to help you cope with different mental conditions.
Always observe the time when taking medication for a particular mental health disorder. Alarm reminders can help.
- Consult with your doctor as frequently as possible to have your medication updated.
- Take on less stressful jobs or jobs with flexible schedules.
- Take time off work whenever you are having a bad mental health day.
- Avoid being alone. It is important to always talk to people to keep your mind from wandering off.
- Allow friends and family to support and care for you. Their love makes things much lighter.
Let us all join hands in dealing with mental health disorders for a better and healthier world.
