Mental Health Awareness: Loneliness

According to Mental Health UK, Mental Health Awareness Week is open to everyone. It is all about starting conversations about mental health and the things in our daily lives that can affect it. Every year, we want as many people as possible – individuals, communities, and governments – to think about the theme for the week and how it relates to their daily lives and work. It’s also a chance to talk about any aspect of mental health that people want to – regardless of the theme.

We have always seen ourselves as happy people (Jo and Leisa). We are well aware, however, that many persons in and around our communities are lonely and need companionship. Loneliness is a big factor in the mental health and wellness of so many. We are lucky to have each other.

What we plan to do for mental health awareness this year

1. We have a few acquaintances that we haven’t spoken to in a long time and I’m sure they’d be happy to get a call and a long catch-up chat from us. We think we will be making a few calls this week. I am sure our conversations will delve into the past and perhaps about why we don’t call too often anymore. It’s a part of the conversation that I’m not looking forward to. But it has to be done. I suppose I could just send a bunch of flowers or a card.  But I think hearing my voice and spending time to actually listen, would be better. What do you think?
2. Based on a video I watched recently, I found out that there are many strangers who step out of their homes just for a bit of conversation to ease the boredom of loneliness. You know when you meet a stranger at the bus stop, for example, and they strike up a conversation where their whole life story (or most of it) is shared in a few minutes? Well, if I happen to meet such a person, I’ll be more receptive than dismissive. You just never know when someone needs a listening ear.
3. Last year’s mental health awareness week theme surrounded nature and being in nature. I will resolve to spend a little time appreciating the beauty of nature around me. We only have to imagine what things would be and look like if we didn’t have the flora and fauna that we do. We haven’t made a wildflower wreath or floral arrangement this year, so we just might do that too. I’ll also endeavour to have any last rays of sunshine on my skin this season.
4. After I invent my Autumn drink using a bottle of Dragon Stout I’ve had in the fridge for more than a year (see my Autumn bucket list), I’ll endeavour to avoid consuming any alcohol for the rest of the year. I am well aware of what alcohol can do to one’s mental health.

5 One of the biggest things that affect my mental help is lack of sleep. But this lack of sleep only happens when there is an issue that I need to deal with. Usually, if I leave things to fester, they haunt me at night. SO my way around that, and to help with my mental health, is to make sure I deal with things, make a decision, and move on. Wish me luck with that.

I hope that you’ll consider and act on a few points to help yours and others’ mental health this week and also going forward.