Good News for the Soul

A women's health blog for mid-life women learning how to manage their health and their life.

Category: Mental Health

  • Feeling Low?- How You Can Give your Self-Esteem a Boost

    Sometimes in our lives, we all go through periods where we start to think less of ourselves.  We may feel that we can’t do anything right.  Some people may even have thoughts of sadness like wishing they were never born.  If you have ever felt this way before, there are ways you can’t alleviate it.  Here are few effective ways you can give your self-esteem a boost during hard times.

    Treat Yourself Sometimes

    Nothing makes a woman feel good than taking some time off to pamper herself.  This could be going out and treating yourself to some ice cream.  Or it could be giving yourself a manicure and a pedicure.  Taking some time for yourself is beneficial for your mental well-being and gives your self-esteem a boost.

    Treating yourself to a makeover is a great way to boost your self-confidence.

    Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

    If you continue to do this, you will be lowering your self-esteem.  I’m talking about comparing yourself to others.  It is not good to compare yourself to other people’s accomplishments.  Everybody is different and accomplishes things at different levels.  This girl may be good at cooking certain dishes than I am.  I may be better at writing poetry than the next person.  This is all perfectly fine.  Thinking that others are better or have more than you will shake your confidence badly.

    Use Hopeful, Positive Statements

    I recently wrote an article about how beneficial positive affirmations are.  These are known as short statements which you can say to yourself to boost your self-confidence.  One example of a statement that is like this is “I can do anything once I set my mind to it.”  Another could be “I am a smart, kind person.”  You can try saying these types of statements to yourself sometimes.  You could also try posting them on a board you have in your room as a reminder to yourself.  These statements are a good way to improve the way you feel about yourself.

    Develop a Proactive Lifestyle

    Having an active lifestyle of exercising and eating right is another great way to boost your self-esteem.  When you take care of yourself, you start to feel good about yourself.  Studies have shown that being health-conscious has a big impact on your self-esteem.  Regular physical activity not only improves body image.  It increases self-confidence as well.  Eating the right type of foods fuels your body with energy and the ability to face every day with confidence. We all go through periods of feeling bad about ourselves.  But if we try implementing these four suggestions in our lives, we would be on our way to boosting our self-esteem during this spring season. 

    What tips do you have for boosting your self-esteem?  Drop a few that have worked for you in the comments section below.  As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next girl you know who is feeling low.

  • What is Really Behind Racial Inequity in Mental Healthcare?

    I recently watched an interesting webcast that examined the lack of quality mental healthcare for African-American patients.  Ever since the pandemic has started, there has been an increase in mental health patients being admitted to hospitals.  Many have succumbed to conditions such as depression during these hard times.  Most of those patients are in the black community.

    However, one of the statistics that I found out from this live online discussion is that 69% of Black adults with mental health disorders don’t receive any treatments.  What’s also alarming is that 42% of black adults with serious disorders also don’t receive any mental healthcare.  What is behind these unfortunate statistics?  Why isn’t something as vital as mental healthcare being equally distributed amongst all people?  Let’s examine what truly behind these health disparities between blacks and other ethnic groups.

    Many African-Americans aren’t receiving the quality mental healthcare that they really need

    What is Stigma?

    One of the reasons behind unequal mental healthcare between blacks and other ethnic groups is stigma.  This occurs when someone starts to look at a person negatively because of their mental illness.  When a person you know has a psychological disorder, you start to identify or acknowledge them as “psycho” rather than as a person with this problem.  Like I’ve mentioned in a previous post about mental health, what we say to people could have a big impact on them.  For African-Americans dealing with a mental illness, stigma could make it harder for them to recover.

    Stigma causes a lot of bad effects on a person.  These effects could impact a person’s daily life:

    • Feelings of shame and isolation.
    • Struggles to find employment or education.
    • Physical violence or harassment.
    • Lack of support or help from family and friends.
    • Refusal to seek help for their condition.

    We as a people must be careful in the words we use toward one another.  One of us could be suffering privately with a mental illness and we’re unaware of it.

    Other Factors that Play a Role

    In addition to stigma playing a role, limited access to mental health services in black communities is also a significant factor.  During his first year as mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel caused quite a stir when he closed half of our city’s mental health clinics in 2012.  This left many at-risk patients without stable care.  Many of these mental health clinics were in minority neighborhoods.

    Another factor in unequal mental healthcare amongst races is the medical system not being accessible enough for everyone.  Providers must avoid any form of discrimination or bias when delivering services to their black mental health patients.  This involves them developing a better understanding of the minority patient’s perspective on life.  They must also be thorough in how they diagnose mental health disorders in blacks.

    Time When Justice and Mental Healthcare will be fixed

    Of course, most of us look forward to a time when justice will really be for all (see Eccl. 5:8) and no one will have to say that I am sick (see Isaiah 33:24).  This troubling problem makes me truly long for this time as well.  But until then, let us all try to reduce these disparities by making sure our mentally sick loved ones get the quality help they need despite this help being limited.

    What are your opinions about this issue?  What do you think must be done to reduce racial disparities in mental healthcare?  Leave your questions or comments below.  As usual, be sure to like or share this post with someone you love.

  • Could Setting Strict Goals for the New Year be Bad for ADHD Brains?

    We are now at the beginning of another whole new year.  During this time, many people like to start setting “new year’s resolutions,” or goals for themselves.  It could be to lose weight.  It could be to exercise more.  Whatever the case, setting new goals for yourself is very common for people at the beginning of the year. 

    But what if you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD?  It could be pretty hard to set certain goals and stick to them throughout the year.  I was reading an article on the ADDitude magazine website that it’s best to try new small, simple habits one day at a time.  This takes the pressure to fulfill strict goals during the new year.  Here are several reasons why this may be a better approach.

    If you’re dealing with ADHD, writing down small daily changes you can make will help you accomplish your big goals.

    Makes it Easier to Make Changes

    The ADHD brain is different from a non-ADHD brain in that it could get overwhelmed easily and lose focus.  That’s why setting new year goals such as losing weight will be hard for that person to accomplish.  If you want to live a healthier life this year, try creating better daily habits for yourself such as eating fruits or veggies every day.  Pick a day where you could walk for 20 minutes uninterrupted.  Try to be consistent in engaging in this activity on that day.

    Helps you Stay Focused on Accomplishing Big Goals

    Doing one simple good habit every day makes it easier to accomplish your long-term goals.  The more habits you complete each day, the more you will come close to achieving that difficult goal. 

    For example, suppose you want to start an online business.  You could start being on the pathway to that goal by doing small things each day to get to it.  Try spending the first day deciding on a name for your business.  The second day could consist of finding a hosting company for your business website.  The third day could involve you doing a simple activity in creating your website.  Just keep doing an activity each day that will lead towards you accomplishing that goal.

    Have some Purpose behind your Goals

    Of course, making small changes or tasks is great, but you must know why you are doing these things.  Knowing your purpose behind performing these daily tasks gives you enough motivation to do them.  Going back to the previous example, what if your purpose in starting an online business was to help people live healthier lives?  By constantly repeating that mission statement to yourself or writing it down in your notebook, it will serve as a reminder as to why you are trying to start an online business.

    Setting hard, unattainable goals could prove to be overwhelming for someone dealing with ADHD.  But if you break those big goals down into small daily changes or tasks, you will be on the path to accomplishing them.

    If you’re dealing with ADHD or know someone who is, how are you making small changes to accomplish your goals this year?  Let me know in the comments section below.  As usual, feel free to like or share this post with someone you know is dealing with this condition.        

  • How Nostalgia can Help Manage Anxiety

    I recently listened to an episode of a podcast on iHeart Radio.  It had an interesting topic about how revisiting our nostalgic favorites, whether it’s a TV show, music, or movie, can help manage anxiety.  Do you have a favorite old TV show that eases your stress?  Perhaps there’s a favorite old-school artist that you admire whose music always makes you feel good?  Our nostalgic favorites could do that to us.

    We all have nostalgic memories. One nostalgic memory that I’ve revisited this year is playing the piano again.😊

    Benefits of Revisiting the Past

    Nostalgia could benefit our mental health in various ways.  It could be a form of escapism from our day-to-day problems and issues.  But some of its other benefits include:

    • Boosts mood.
    • Helps improve relationships with people.
    • Leads to much-needed inspiration and motivation.
    • Helps improve problem-solving skills.

    I fully understand how nostalgia could boosts mood.  I could even see it causing people to become inspired by something.  However, I never thought of revisiting your old favorites as a great way to help improve in solving problems.  This just shows that sometimes it’s okay to take a trip down memory lane.

    Benefits Dementia Patients

    The next interesting thing to highlight is nostalgia impact on dementia patients.  Exhibiting nostalgic memories could build plenty of psychological resources for a person dealing with this condition.  Research in a 2018 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease state that some of these psychological resources include social connectedness, optimism, self-esteem, and meaning in life, among others.  Nostalgic memories help connect your past to your present self.  As a result, you start to build a stronger sense of identity.

    Why too much Nostalgia isn’t good

    Nostalgia has its benefits. But that doesn’t mean it’s always okay to relive your past.  Too much nostalgia could cause you to run away from your responsibilities or reality.  Spending too much time reminiscing could prevent you from living your life.  That’s why it’s beneficial to be balanced in doing this.  Try using lessons from the past to solve your problems today.  If you start feeling thoughts of anxiety, try reminiscing about a positive memory that made you felt hopeful about achieving success.

    We all have old favorites or memories we like to reminisce about.  May those experiences boosts your mood, manage your anxiety, and inspire you to create a better future for yourself.  What nostalgic memories help you cope with anxiety?  Feel free to share in the comments section below.  As always, please like or share this post with someone you love.

  • Why Spirituality is Vital for your Mental Health

    There’s no doubt these difficult times have made an impact on a person’s mental health.  Many have succumbed to depression, stress, and anxiety.  To remedy this, many have turned to self-help books, therapists, and other mental professionals.  However, there is one good source many fail to turn to for help in their mental health state.  This is developing a spiritual need.

    Having a Spiritual need balances you

    Once you turn to God for help in dealing with your mental problems, whether it is a depression or bipolar disorder, you will feel more balanced in your life.  You will feel more grounded in managing your condition despite the challenges.  By letting God in your life, it makes life’s problems a little easier to handle.  This is not to say that it will always be easy.  But it does give your life a strong sense of balance of handling problems better.

    Spirituality gives you Comfort

    When dealing with any mental illness, spirituality could give your heart and mind so much comfort.  It won’t exactly cure your condition.  But it can put your mind at ease when you feel like there’s no way out.  For example, by reading the Bible every day, you start to feel a little better each time.  Lean on it for support in coping with your mental illness.

    It isn’t a healthcare book, but the Bible gives you the necessary comfort in coping with a mental illness.

    A Spiritual Need Gives you Hope

    Coping with any serious illness that we can’t help, whether it’s affecting our brain or another serious organ, can be draining on our soul.  But having a strong sense of spirituality gives you a deep sense of hope.  Hope gives you the ability to develop the assured expectation of something that you don’t see.  It gives you the faith to endure your condition against all odds.

    Having a Spiritual Need helps you Cope

    By having a solid sense of spirituality, this gives you the ability to cope with your mental illness better.  Every day will not be perfect.  You will still have your good days and bad days.  But a healthy reliance on Jehovah will motivate you to take each day at a time.  Stay on top of your treatments.  Rely on loving friends and family to help you to deal with your condition.  Pray constantly each day and you will see your coping skills thrive.  Believe me- things will get better.

    Are you dealing with a mental illness or know someone you love coping with one?  Feel free to share in the comments section below.  Also, be sure to like or share this post with someone you love.              

  • Why Self-Care is a Must for Every Woman

    Last weekend, I attended a little self-pampering Zoom party with my friends.  We painted our nails, did our hair, and engaged in some beauty talk.  It was fun and a great way to unwind together virtually.

    Now and then, we as women must take some time out of our busy lives to treat ourselves despite being mostly at home.  Even if we’re not going out socially very often, we can still beautify ourselves sometimes.  Here are several reasons why this is vital for us.

    Self –Care makes us Feel Good

    When you get your hair done, get a manicure, or a facial, you begin to feel different.  You will start to feel better about yourself physically and mentally.  So instead of paying for someone else to do your hair or nails, consider looking up some YouTube videos to learn how to do these things.  Buy some base coat, top coat, and your favorite color nail polish.  Buy a nail filer and clipper and start doing it yourself today.

    During the party, one of my friends taught us how to make our sugar scrub to exfoliate our skin.  Sugar scrubs are typically expensive at stores like Bath & Body Works.  But if you make it yourself, you will be saving yourself a nice amount of money.

    My little homemade sugar body scrub. It was pretty easy to make.

    Self-Care gives you Peace of Mind

    Another thing about self-care is that it gives you peace of mind.  By taking some time out for ourselves, we would give our minds the inner calm and serenity it needs.  We deal with so much regularly.  By practicing self-care, we give ourselves a chance to step away and breathe a little bit.  We will start to avoid burnout and feel more at peace in our lives.  Turn to self-care to put your mind at ease for a little while.

    Self-Care Makes you Happy

    Once you set aside a day to take care of yourself, you will feel a lot happier.  If you don’t have a day like this for yourself, you are depriving yourself of happiness.  You are also depriving yourself of a balanced life.  Every woman needs to maintain a sense of balance between work and fun.  This is especially important now that more women are working from home.  Strive to maintain a balanced schedule for your work so you can leave time for relaxation.

    Self-Care gives you More Confidence

    When you devote some time to just unwind and relax, you come out feeling more confident in yourself.  Whether you’re devoting a day to pampering yourself or you’re just laying on the couch watching TV or sketching on a drawing pad, self-care rejuvenates you with a feeling you can do anything.  After you devote a day or two to self-care, you will walk away feeling more focused and assured in your work.  Self-care is good for the heart, mind, and soul.

    What types of things do you do for self-care or to unwind at home?  Feel free to share in the comments section below.  Also, be sure to like or share this blog post with the next woman you know.       

  • Why a Strong Support System is Vital for a Mental Health Patient

    There’s no doubt that mental illness is nothing we should take lightly.  Whether a person is dealing with depression or bipolar disorder, a person going through one of these illnesses needs a strong support system.  They need someone who will be there for them.  How will a strong support system benefit that person?  What types of support systems a person could turn to?  Could they find this group of people themselves?  Let’s examine these questions in this post.

    They Will Help You Cope with your Illness

    A person coping with any mental illness needs a strong support system to help them cope with their condition.  It will be hard to do this alone.  However, this group of people must have an ill person’s best interests at heart.  They must not take advantage of the person or use them.  If you have a peer like that in your life, you must distance yourself from them.  Be around genuine people who are going to encourage and motivate you.

    Different Types of Support System

    A strong support system will be there for you in helping you cope with your illness

    I was looking at an article recently and it shared a list of different types of support systems.  These are emotional support, informational support, and instrumental support.  Emotional support is founded within the people you love, informational involves support from public programs or medical facilities, and instrumental support could be similar to emotional or it could involve a person in your social network.

    Sometimes this person could fill all three roles.  Sometimes they could fill only one of these roles.  Whatever roles this person fills in helping you cope with your condition, this person has to be doing a good job in fulfilling it.

    Be Proactive about Finding Support

    Besides having the right support system around you, you need to figure out if you have enough people with you.  This involves taking action in choosing their associates wisely.  Also, if you don’t have a supportive group helping you now, you owe it to yourself to find them.  It’s very vital to be hands-on about your mental health care.

    Mental illness is rampant now more than ever, especially during this pandemic crisis.  Without a strong support system, a person dealing with this will be in trouble.  So if you know someone dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, or any other illness, take the initiative to be that support help they need.

    I’ve also put together a PDF list of “5 Encouraging Words” for those dealing with a condition like a mental illness.  You can sign up to get this list here.  As always, like, share, or leave a comment about this post below.            

  • Quarantining and its Impact on Mental Health Patients

    Quarantining for some people has become mentally draining, but for those dealing with mental illnesses, it has become especially difficult.  Last week, I read a disturbing article about a man, who suffered from bipolar disorder, take his own life because of not being able to deal with self-isolation.  This news helped bring awareness to mental health people dealing with being quarantined.  What could we do to make sure we are being there for them?  There are various resources we can utilize in helping a mentally ill person during these hard times.

    Quarantining is having an impact on those dealing with a mental illness.

    Psychological impact of those in quarantine

    There have been many, besides this man, who has felt the psychological effects of being in quarantine.  Some of these effects include post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion, and anger.  Most reviewed studies have shown these to be common negative effects quarantining could cause.  These effects have proven to be detrimental for a person already battling a mental illness.

    Steps that are needed to take

    Being in quarantine for such a long period could lead to a lot of stress for those dealing with mental illness.  But if you’re a person going through this, you are not alone.  Stay in contact with your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities.  Be sure to continue with your usual treatment and be aware of worsening symptoms.  One study suggested that having a telephone support line, staffed by psychiatric nurses, set up for those in quarantine could be effective.

    Stay in contact with your friends and family via various social networks like Instagram and messaging platforms like WhatsApp.  This will provide a sense of relief for them in letting them know you’re okay.

    There is a lot of resources online providing support for mental health patients dealing with being quarantined or Covid-19.  The Kennedy Forum Illinois, an organization devoted to ending stigma against people with mental health problems, recently has been holding a free webinar for businesses and individuals dealing with stress and mental health issues during Covid-19.  National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a free and confidential helpline for those who need one-on-one assistance. 

    Wherever you go for help, please don’t hesitate.  Do whatever is necessary to take care of your emotional health.  Need more encouragement?  Check out my “5 Words of Encouragement” list and as always like, share or leave a comment below.  

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