Mental health for Women: Proactive self-care approach

Our mental health as women is constantly challenged and under pressure, more so because of how society continues to view, respond and expect from us.

We continue to be treated as objects, second class citizens and unequal beings. As a result of this, being a woman feels like a constant struggle against a society that violates, devalues, undermines and silences us. This places a lot of strain on our mental health and makes us more prone to trauma, stress, anxiety and depression. It therefore crucial for us to prioritize our mental wellbeing, in the face of our continued daily struggle against a society that devalues us:

1. Express yourself

Learn to express your feelings in ways that are healthy and comfortable for you. Expression of feelings doesn’t always have to be verbal, you can write or paint depending on what works for you. Also strive to have a nonjudgmental confidant.

2. Have a selfish day

This is where everything is by you, for you and about you. Spend time thinking positive things about you, do positive things for you and nurture positive emotions through doing things that make you laugh, feel relaxed, hopeful and encouraged.

3. Set your own standards

Whose standards are you following? I am asking in terms of beauty and how to be as a person. Following society’s standards for a woman is often exhausting, as these standards are mostly unrealistic and unfair, with a harsh judgment should we be deemed not to be following these. So woman you are safe in your self-defined standards!

4. Become a deliberate reader/viewer

Read books, articles and view videos that nurture your soul, that encourage you and build on the standards you have set for yourself.

5. Validate your humanity

Give yourself permission to feel and express emotions. Embrace your mistakes, weaknesses and failures as they are a confirmation of your humanness.

#thestrugglecontinues

#womenmentalhealth

#authenticgenuineself

#womensmonth

Comments

The impact of Stigma on people

Stigma is when we blame, judge, prejudice and discriminate people because of characteristics that they have or situations that they are going through. People are often stigmatised for situations that they already find challenging to deal with and sometimes it is situations they cannot change or have temporarily lost control over (i.e. mental health diagnosis like depression, diagnosis of HIV and people living with disabilities). So when we stigmatise people we place an extra burden on their already difficult journey. The following points highlight the impact of stigma on people. 1. Impact on mental health Stigma results in feelings of isolation, rejection and guilt for people and it can contribute to the development or worsening of mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. 2. Obstacle in help-seeking When we stigmatise people, it becomes more challenging for them to openly seek help because they fear judgement. As a result they either do not seek help at all or i...

On adjusting to working from home during the lockdown

The lockdown period during COVID-19 came with an unexpected and unplanned working from home set-up for some of us. Although this transition was not a planned event, it is possible to manage it well, through implementing the following: Structure It helps to keep a diary, set weekly and daily work goals that are aligned to your work responsibilities. Time and boundaries Allocate time for work activities, breaks and knock off time and strive to keep to your allocated time. Separate time for home activities from work activities, avoid doing home chores during "work time" and vice versa. Time-off from work should be strictly adhered to. Physical Space In your house have a corner or space on your table where you strive to create a work-like set-up that you work from. If you have an office strive to work from the office everyday. Negotiating with family members Many of us share our spaces with family members who also work or study from ...

Some useful thoughts for surviving through the COVID-19 pandemic

1. Expression is a gift we all have. We all have the ability or a gift to express our experiences. However we differ in the form of expression we choose. At the same time we also have the capacity to learn new and more ways of expression. 2. We are trainable Our brain is one of the most important, powerful and trainable part of us. Therefore we can train and teach ourselves new ways of expressing our experiences, who we are and who we aspire to be. 3. Choose a way to represent your reality If you can’t verbalize it, draw it, sculpt it or paint it If you can’t sculpt or paint it, sing it If you can’t sing it, act it If you can’t act it, write it If you can’t write it, sew it 4. Self representation can be healing for your soul Most people find healing in self representation 5. Decide what you want to do You also have the authority to decide what to do with your self representation. You are allowed to keep it to yourself and share when you are read...

Dr Sibu Qhogwana

Search This Blog