With the current situation in South Africa, rising Covid cases and deaths and just the overall feeling of anxiety and uncertainty looming, I thought it best to create today's blog post about mental health. The post will focus more on mental health and not so much on hearing loss but as every individual with a hearing loss knows the two concepts are closely linked together. If there was ever a time where most individuals have experienced isolation as well as other feelings, such as anxiety, depression etc. that the hearing loss community experience frequently, it is now.
Mental health problems are ever increasing in our society and it is important that you look after your mental state, just as you would look after your physical health.
Here are some tips from MIND on how to look after your mental health.
Talk about your feelings – “Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy.”
Keep active – “Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, as well as look and feel better.”
Eat well – “What we eat can affect how we feel both immediately and in the long term. A diet that is good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.”
Drink sensibly – “We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary.”
Keep in touch – “Relationships are key to our mental health, reach out to family and friends"
For more information on mental health or if you are in need of assistance, contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 0800 567 567