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Live Love & Let go

WRITTEN BY : TAMIA ECKSTEIN

Live Love & Let go

As a young generation stuck in the middle of being young and under the pressure of responsibility from the older generations, things can get tough. The 21t century is not as kind as it used to be if it ever was - and it’s clear that many of us are buckling under the pressure.

How is your mental health? Honestly speaking. And when you answer that in your head, are you being truthful with yourself or are you imagining that you're talking to a friend and just giving an, ‘yeah it’s good, I'm okay.’ kind of answer because you’re not sure how they’ll handle the truth? Mental health is something that every 1 in 5 people struggles with. Whether it's anxiety, depression, seasonal depression or emotional dissociation - the list goes on. And you know what? It's okay. Here’s why.

We live in an era where social media determines approval, success, accomplishment and self-worth.

The pressure of living up to an unrealistic ideal has really taken its toll on us. Not to mention personal experiences that contribute to our overall well-being - it's not easy. We’d like to share with you the how-to when it comes to mental health challenges. For the youth, by the youth.

If you’ve ever experienced being at a really low point in your life, overwhelmed with daily life and responsibilities, we want you to know that you are not alone.

It is normal to feel that way at any point in your life, your feelings are valid and they matter. What we don't want is for you to think that suppression, ignoring your state of being, or even just trying to cope when you can't, is okay, it's not. There are ways to heal and overcome these challenges. If you or anyone you know is going through a rough season, this is what you can do.

Live Love & Let go : Pinpoint

Pinpoint

Pinpoint exactly how you feel, when you feel it and why. Doing this will help you keep track of your emotions, triggers and reactions. If you're the kind of person that prefers to ignore it and find ways to numb it - now is the time to unlearn unhealthy coping strategies.

Live Love & Let go : Talk

Talk

Something almost everyone struggles with when it comes to mental health. Let go of the stigma that not being okay is ‘weak’. There is strength in being able to acknowledge and accept your emotions. It is a crucial point in figuring out how you're going to get past it.

Live Love & Let go : Coping and self-regulating.

Coping and self-regulating.

Self-regulating strategies and methods have been used by therapists to treat mental health since before we were born. There’s a reason it’s suggested- it works. Research self-regulation methods and practice them when you feel yourself slipping.

Live Love & Let go : Good old counselling.

Good old counselling.

Yes, counselling. Don't roll your eyes and pull that face. Everyone needs support and sometimes friends and family just don't help the way you need to. Get involved with a professional - there's a reason why we have them.

Reflection

Now that you’ve accepted that this is where you're at, and you’ve taken responsibility for your health, take a step back and reflect on the internal and external things that make you feel out of touch. Let go of what needs to go, if its friends - cut them off. If it’s unnecessary bad influences from social media, stop watching it. If it's negative music, change your taste.