Yes, you read that right; fifty! I’ve enjoyed writing posts around
tips, advice, do’s and don’ts so I thought the ultimate one would be to put 50
of them in one big post!
Please don’t take this post as condescending and think that just
because I’m in recovery I think it makes me an expert on mental health. I don’t,
think that; I just hope that my experiences can provide others with the advice that
might spare them from going through some of the same hardships. I also don’t
want people to think that these tips don’t recognize the strength it takes to
do some of them; anyone who knows me – and my blog – will know how important I think
it is to acknowledge a person’s bravery and courage in mental health.
1.
Recognize
that everyone has mental health.
2.
Tell the
young people in your family about mental health as soon as possible.
3.
Don’t be
afraid to ask for help.
4.
Learn about
your local mental health services and other support services available in your
area.
5.
Stop using ‘duty
of care’ like it’s a meaningless phrase you were forced to learn in training.
6.
Learn that prioritizing
yourself over all of the other things in your life doesn’t mean you’re selfish
or shallow.
7.
Professionals
really have ‘heard everything’ – don’t be ashamed to tell them your deepest and
darkest thoughts and feelings.
8.
Know that
running away – in almost all instances - will lead to Police involvement.
9.
Always have
some ‘me time’ in your day – even if it’s less than an hour!
10.
Realize that
no one has all of the answers – sometimes it can feel like the professionals
are being useless!
11.
Don’t judge
someone for the coping skills they have desperately resorted to.
12.
Know that one
in four people in the UK have experience of mental illness – you aren’t alone.
13.
Learn to
recognize when a relationship has become detrimental to your life.
14.
Weigh up the
short-term benefits to the long-term consequences.
15.
Where
possible, always take your home comforts on a hospital admission.
16.
Be prepared
for support sessions/appointments to be cancelled at the last minute.
17.
Always read
the leaflet on the side effects of your medication.
18.
Don’t be
afraid to think outside of the box when trying out safe, and healthy coping
strategies.
19.
Keep an eye
on self-harm wounds – even if they don’t warrant medical attention, they can
still get infected.
20.
Never assume
that two people will have things in common just because they have the same
diagnosis.
21.
Don’t be
afraid to tell professionals what you find helpful – it doesn’t mean you’re
telling them how to do their jobs.
22.
Don’t ignore
advice just because you don’t THINK it will help – try it anyway!
23.
Make sure you
have the phone numbers of all of the professionals involved in your care saved
in your phone.
24.
Forget the
word ‘normal’ – it has no meaning in mental health!
25.
Don’t make your
mind up on a professional before they’ve even had a chance to speak to you!
26.
Put all of
your medications and doses into a ‘note’ on your phone.
27.
Recognize
that ‘trauma’ means something different to everyone.
28.
The only opinion
of your appearance that matters is your own.
29.
Never refer
to A&E as ‘quiet’ – you’ll completely jinx it and find yourself waiting an
extra few hours!
30.
Know the
difference between using your mental health as a reason for your behaviour and
using it as an excuse.
31.
If your
mental health means you need to claim state benefits, then be honest – don’t
lie or exaggerate.
32.
Recognize a
person’s ability over any inabilities.
33.
Remember that
respect is a two-way street!
34.
Understand
that one person’s definition of abuse might be different to another’s.
35.
Watch your
language – some words take on a different meaning and come with a whole new set
of consequences in mental health.
36.
Always treat
others how you would like to be treat.
37.
Never
consider yourself to be better than someone because of the state of their
mental health.
38.
Resist the
urge to listen to sad songs when you’re feeling low – their level of being relatable
can easily turn to triggering.
39.
Don’t tell
your loved one that they are like ‘a whole new person’ since their mental
health deteriorated.
40.
Know that even
when they’re cut from the same cloth, two people may not treat you the same!
41.
Realize that
having a lot of experience in Services doesn’t mean someone knows how to ‘play
the system.’
42.
Learn all about
the Mental Health Act and other relevant laws that come into play a lot in a mental
health crisis.
43.
Don’t be
afraid to make a formal complaint.
44.
Learn people’s
names as a sign of respect.
45.
Always use
your manners – they cost nothing!
46.
Don’t say ‘I
understand’ lightly – it means a lot more in mental health.
47.
Look for
inspiration in the most original of places.
48.
Always follow
the Doctor’s instructions on taking your medication e.g. taking them on a full
stomach or only at nighttime.
49.
Never tell a
Service User how you self-harmed – if they copy, you’ll feel to blame.
50.
If you’re
looking for an escape, try reading or watching Netflix.