A priority in 2021

Just when we thought that 2020 had given all it could to impact on our lives it looks like we could face a no deal Brexit. There are many experts giving their views about what it means and predictions about what may happen. We know that whatever happens things are going to change. But how do we keep resilient after such a turbulent time?

Next week I have the privilege of being on a panel to discuss well-being and mental health at this time that we are dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. It is something that I have been passionate about for some time. If you had asked me more than three years ago whether it was important to look after your mental health, and to discuss it I would have turned the other way.

Back then I thought I was invincible. It didn’t matter what happened I would be able to deal with it because I thought I was strong. I am much wiser now. We can all face circumstances that test us and push us to the limit. We are kidding ourselves if we don’t think this is the case. It can be things that happen at home, pressure at work, or as we have seen this year things beyond our control but it all mounts up and can impact on us.

The first thing we have to do, much like with communicating in a crisis, is to recognise that there is a problem. Admitting that we are not coping and hopefully after that to ask for help. One thing that has worried me most throughout the year is that people are bottling things up and hoping feelings will go away. Communicators have been working non-stop and many have taken no time to deal with what they are facing.

There are simple things we can do to deal with the situations we face. At the moment, I try to restrict the amount of news reports that I watch because sitting watching endless negative speculation is not beneficial to my wellbeing. I try to find something I can do each day that is just for me and that takes my mind off the practicalities of life. For some this can be meditation but whatever you do it is a way of calming yourself by focusing on the moment. Above all, I get my thoughts and anxieties out of my head whether that is talking to friends or journaling.

I am looking forward to Thursday’s discussion and being able to put the spotlight on something that is incredibly important. In 2021 we all need to get better at looking after our own and others mental health. If you are interested find out more about the session here ES, IDME and CRJ Webinar: The effects of pandemic on society, first responders and mental health (google.com)

Look after yourselves.