L&FTo live with a mental health disorder is hard. Some days, it’s borderline impossible.
So we asked 5 Lebanese who suffer from a mental health disorder (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, among others) to share with us what they do a on daily basis to feel a bit better, or at least to manage their illness.
Here is a summary of their answers.
If you have other suggestions or ideas, please share them with us, we’ll be happy to add them to the list!
- Talking
All the people we talked to agree that the most important thing is to find someone to talk to.
A huge part of the suffering comes from the fact that when you suffer from a mental disorder, you feel all alone. But it’s not the case: at least 1 out of 4 Lebanese will develop a mental disorder once in their lives (Source: Idraac).
So, find someone you feel at ease with, and talk. Share your feelings, share your emotions, share your thoughts, share whatever the hell is running through your head. Hopefully, you will feel less lonely after baring your soul to someone you trust. But first, find this someone special: it can be your friend, a relative, or a therapist.
If you don’t have anybody whom you feel safe to talk with, you can contact Raja Sabra (70 731 412).
This activist and acroyoga teacher suffered through anxiety, depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He went through therapy and medication, and now feels better. He dedicates his life to help people who suffer like he used to suffer. He answers all questions himself, on Whatsapp or on his Facebook group.
And in case of emergency, if you have suicidal thoughts, please please please call 1564, Embrace’s hotline. Their volunteers will be by your side in your darkest moments. Just be careful, they are available from noon till 2.00 am.
If you want to find professional help, we compiled for you a list of institutions and NGOs which can help you find a therapist for free or at reduced prices.
2) Trying to eat healthy and drinking a lot of water
Don’t dismiss this advice. A healthy diet helps in alleviating the symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders. And as much as you crave these cheese fries or nachos when you’re down, know that they most probably will only be a temporary fix, and will make you feel worse after.
But the good news is, our Mediterranean diet is full of ingredients rich in serotonin (a chemical known to work as a mood stabilizer), Vitamin C and fibers, and all have a positive effect on your mood! As if you needed an excuse to ask your favorites meals from your mom 🙂
For more info, check this video (in French) or read this article (in English).
And don’t forget to drink! Water helps our body cells get oxygenated; it’s as if you are re taking a full breath of fresh air : it makes you feel better and lighter. So don’t hesitate to hit the bottle!
3) Moving your body
There is a reason why the expression “a healthy mind in a healthy body” exists. It’s because it’s true! Find a physical activity that you like and stick to it. It can be anything: dance, yoga, running, aerobics, swimming, or just walking. Anything to relieve your tension, think about something pleasurable for a while and live in the present.
And if you feel like trying acroyoga, you can contact Raja whom we mentioned earlier (70 731 412).
4) Doing good
Find a cause that you believe in and want to invest yourself in. It can be anything: fighting hunger; helping people get an education; supporting NGOs in their financial and marketing needs, in case you have these skills; or giving lectures about mental health. Any activity in which you help people will make you feel needed and useful, and you might feel better at the end of the day.
5) Writing down your thoughts and emotions
Write down your thoughts, feelings, emotions, whatever goes through your head. It will help you structure your thoughts, put words on your feelings, and maybe manage them more easily.
You don’t have to write down every day (well, except if you feel like it, of course :)). But any time that you feel like writing, or that you feel stuck and unable to express what’s wrong, grab your computer, or a pen and paper, and put down your thoughts. It might help you.
An extra one: Be kind to yourself
Very often, when you suffer from a mental disorder, you feel guilty of not being able to function properly. This guilt makes you feel worse, and you enter a vicious circle where you feel paralyzed.
Mental illness is first and foremost an illness, and sometimes the only thing you can do is stay in bed.
Other days, you might feel like you can conquer the world.
On the days when you cannot function, cut yourself some slack. Acknowledge that you’re fighting a very strong opponent, and try to be grateful for all the little things you do manage to achieve despite this war you’re waging. #youarenotalone
All these little things are not miraculous. But they can help. If you know of anything else that can help, please share it with us, we’ll add it to the list!