No matter who you talk to, we all have had them. Days where we just don’t feel ourselves, even when we don’t feel physically sick. For the average person, this is just a sporadic event that doesn’t typically occur more than once or twice a year. And often times these words are tossed around like confetti, as it is normal for one to crave a day just for themselves. But for someone struggling with mental illness, diagnosed or not, these “me days” can be much more important and sometimes essential to overall well-being.
Give Yourself A Break
When you are dealing with mental illness, it can be almost two to three times more difficult to get yourself through a particularly rough day or couple of days. Especially when you have other peers or adults around you, telling you to “get over it” or that you “just need to let the feelings pass.” This is a common response, and rightfully so, as many people do not care enough to educate themselves in this area. Let’s think of it this way. If you become sick with the flu, often times you stay home from school or work because of it and in fear of getting others sick. While mental health conditions are not contagious, it is important to pay attention to when you are beginning to feel especially stressed or depressed. Mental health is just as if not more important to monitor than physical health and can cause physical ailments to develop if left in a worrisome state.
Timing It Right
Most often, days that would be necessary for a “mental health” day tend to fall on days leading up to a large deadline or exhausting event that has been worked towards for a number of weeks. This is because these types of events can build up nerves and put a great deal of strain on your body, making it difficult to focus and successfully follow through with them. For a teen or young adult, skipping a class or missing a day of school is easier said than done. This is true for sporting events and extra-curriculars as well. So, in fear of having to make up class work or letting anybody down, more often than not, you attend anyways. While this may have been the right choice at the time, it can lead to serious implications and your body’s state can slowly start to deteriorate. You may become much more tired and even more likely to become physically sick with a common cold or the flu. Our bodies are only built to endure so much and when they are about to reach their brink, they tell us! But it is important to listen to these signs and take them into account to avoid future complications.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you are not about to take a particularly rough day for yourself, this is especially important. This is especially true when it comes to an individual struggling with their mental health. Your “brink” often times may hit before someone of a healthier state so it’s pertinent that you make multiple self-check-ups throughout days like these. This can help limit stress and prevent most mental or emotional breakdowns before they would happen. Another tip that I have personally found helpful is using meditation and deep breathing. Using these techniques after a rough day can help calm your mind and regulate breathing. They can also provide a sense of balance and work to center you for the days that follow.
Sorry Not Sorry
We all have our bad days, and if you get anything out of what I wrote here today, please take from it that it is perfectly normal to need a “mental health” day. You should never feel bad for being concerned about your mental well-being or be worried about what others will think of it. You are doing it for you, and only you and being in your best state is important to displaying your best work. And at the end of the day, you are the only one that ultimately knows what you need most to positively support both your physical and emotional well-being.
By: Sophia Sikowski, Anxiety In Teens Contributor